Sports
Field hockey team battles with Trinity College to a narrow defeat
By Mary Lundin ’19
September 22, 2016
Tags sports
After winning their third game of the season against Geneseo 3-1, the Hamilton Continentals resumed their competitive fall schedule with a determined fight against the Trinity College Bantams on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Goodfriend Field in Clinton. This game was the Continentals’ fourth game of the season, second NESCAC game and first NESCAC game out of three in a nine-day period.
The Continentals controlled the first half of the game with first-year Michaela Giuttari helping Hamilton obtain a 1-0 lead nine minutes into the game with her second collegiate goal. Assisted by Sarah Stinebaugh ’19 who controlled the ball and directed a pass to Giuttari, Giutarri directed a shot on Trinity goalkeeper Lori Berger from point-blank range. Hamilton’s Lizzie Clarke ’20 scored the second goal of the game and first collegiate goal on a penalty corner with two minutes and 56 seconds left in the first half. Emma Anderson ’17 directed the ball to Liz Wagenbach ’18; Wagenbach stopped it for Clarke who immediately shot from the top of the circle, giving Hamilton a two-point lead at the end of the first half.
The Bantams came back to score in the first four minutes in the second half with Trinity’s Kelcie Finn scoring from the middle of the circle despite a block from Julia Booth ’19. Booth proved instrumental for the Continentals; she blocked an impressive nine shots, thus paving the way for the Continentals to obtain a top ranking in the NESCAC conference.
Bolstered by the swift but forceful offensive plays of Eva Rosencrans ’17, the Continentals immediately followed Trinity’s sole goal with one of their own. Caroline Ames ’17 passed the ball to Rosencrans, who quickly received the ball and swiftly turned to complete a backhand shot into the cage, thus adding to Hamilton’s 3-1 lead. Along with her goal in the second half, Rosencrans added six points in the Continentals’ first three games, supplementing her already impressive ranking on Hamilton’s all-time high list for both goals and points. Her goal in the second half constitutes her 41st career goal and 90th career point.
With Hamilton’s lead brought on by constant communication, expert skill and an indefatigable attitude, the Bantams were eager for redemption. With 20 minutes and 16 seconds left in regulation, the Bantams managed to drive the ball into the cage, reducing Hamilton’s lead to only one point. Soon after, the relentless Bantams managed to tie the score at 3-3 with 10 minutes and 27 seconds remaining in the second half. Trinity’s shot on goal was initially blocked by Booth; however, the shot bounced back to Trinity creating a perfect opportunity for a tie with the Continentals.
With a 3-3 tie, the Continentals were forced into overtime, with one final opportunity to take away a win. However, despite Hamilton’s ceaseless fighting and adroitness, Trinity managed to scare an additional goal, boosting the Bantams to a 4-3 lead.
Despite a loss, the Continentals fought hard and procured several positive takeaways from this early season game. Goalie Julia Booth ’19 shared her thoughts on the game, saying, “There is not one mistake we made that cost us the game. It was just a hard-fought win by Trinity. While it was frustrating to lose and even more so in overtime, I think everyone realized how much our team is truly capable of.” Although this game was a tough loss, the Continentals have the capability to improve throughout the season against NESCAC and non-NESCAC teams, not only because they have a strong core of players and great team dynamic, but also because they possess an overwhelming drive to persevere and motivate one another.
The Continentals host Connecticut College for the second NESCAC game out of three in a nine-day period, on Saturday Sept. 24, at noon. The Continentals’ next two games will be home at Goodfriend Field.