By Ashley Melfi, Staff Writer
The Hofstra Pride field hockey team won against the University of Vermont Catamounts, 3-1, in the Pride's home opener on Saturday, September 4 and won again against the Sacred Heart University Pioneers 7-2 on Sunday. Hofstra climbs to 2-2 overall and Vermont stands 1-2 and Sacred Heart is 0-4.
Junior Genna Kovar shined in Saturday's game against Vermont as she led her team to a victory with her success on offense. The NFHCA All-American third team member had connection to every goal, scoring two of her own, one assisted by junior Arielle Williams and then assisting the final goal to help junior Darrah Rachman score.
Kovar had the most shots on goals with a total of five. Head coach Kathy De Angelis said of Kovar, "She creates momentum on attack that affects the other girls to [play] better."
The Catamounts had control over the pace of the game in the first half but quickly lost their drive as Hofstra stepped up its game both offensively and defensively. The game was very physical to the point where green cards were given to Hofstra seniors Diane Caldwell and Nancy Wagenbrenner.
Despite Hofstra's defense being so young, it was successful in preventing Vermont from advancing. With injuries to seniors Amy-Lee Levey and Becky Kazaks, De Angelis knows the team is still developing, "We've had to make a lot of changes because of injuries but once we're able to solidify the lineup we will get a lot better, [and Saturday's game] shows that," she said.
Going into Sunday's game against Sacred Heart, De Angelis was optimistic but cautious when predicting the outcome of the game, "Sacred Heart's going to come out with nothing to lose and we have to [be prepared] for a good game."
De Angelis was right as the Pioneers started the game strong, scoring first and proved to be a worthy opponent throughout despite the Pride's 7-2 victory.
Kovar played well in the weekend's second game, adding four more goals to her total. Joining Kovar in scoring was Rachman, along with Caldwell and sophomore Krizia Layne. Wagenbrenner contributed two assists and Rachman and sophomore Micaela Gallagher each had one assist. Hofstra finished the game with 23 shots on goal compared to Sacred Heart's 11.
Junior goalie Amanda Heyde played a vital part to the Pride's successful weekend. With a total of 12 saves during both games she demonstrated, "development and compsure," said De Angelis, "always putting herself in the right position."
The second win was a "collective effort," said De Angelis, "it began in the backfield and [went] all the way through and the communication was outstanding."
Junior Genna Kovar scored six goals in two games over the weekend. (Laura Molinari/Hofstra Chronicle)