Van der Vegt silences LIU offense as Field Hockey ends two-game losing streak

The Hofstra field hockey team rolled past the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks in a convincing 3-1 victory on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium.

The Pride started off the game in a back and forth showdown during which they traded control of the ball.

Frankie O’Brien played an important role early on, playing both sides of the field effectively and making crucial stops to prevent the Sharks from scoring. Her versatility in both the offensive and defensive zones was noted by Pride head coach Courtney Veinotte.

“[O’Brien] has a good first touch on the ball, she’s got good speed and vision. She is a great scanner and a great distributor,” said Veinotte.

O’Brien was not the only star to perform. Goalie Merlijn van der Vegt had two amazing point blank saves off of a penalty corner, one of which was made while on her back to prevent a goal in the second quarter by the Sharks.

Although the Pride’s offense struggled early, the goaltending and defense really kept the team competitive in a scoreless match.  

“[Van der Vegt] has been getting peppered. We’re giving up too many circle entries, she’s seeing the ball more than I’d like her to. But she’s a very quick goalie and makes very quick decisions,” Veinotte said.

Unfortunately for the Pride, LIU started the game with a strong offensive push and had five penalty corners in the first half alone.

Hofstra’s defensive success only lasted for so long before LIU’s Sammy Bell scored a goal off a right side hit and beat Van der Vegt short side, putting the Sharks up 1-0 to close the half.

Van der Vegt did not let this discourage her and continued to stand tall in the second half of the contest. She used her aggressive style of play to prevent two early shots in the third quarter by the Sharks.

Not long thereafter, the offense for the Pride started to pick up, largely due to an effective counterattack from the defense. The team got its first penalty corner late in the third quarter, which resulted in a goal by forward Djuna Slort.  

As the third quarter closed, the match was tied 1-1, and momentum shifted in Hofstra’s favor.

Van der Vegt had two more impressive saves up close to start the fourth quarter, keeping the game tied for the Pride.  

The offense matched the intensity of their goaltender with a huge goal immediately after. Forward Sydney LeGuillow scored her first goal of the season to take the lead, 2-1.

Veinotte commented on the fighting spirit of the Pride. “This is a very resilient team, I knew that from the beginning. This is a team that will always battle and fight,” she said.

Senior Madison Warfel continued the offensive momentum by scoring the last goal of the game and her sixth of the season, securing a 3-1 victory for the Pride and ending their two-game losing streak.

Image Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics