Field hockey earns first win of season over Wagner in overtime

The Hofstra field hockey team defeated Wagner 1-0 in overtime on Friday, March 5 at the Wagner Field Hockey Complex in Staten Island, NY. Freshman Jasmijn Verdoes scored her second of the season just over a minute into the extra session while Merlijn van der Vegt stopped the Seahawks’ (0-1) only shot on goal to record her third career shutout.

After a scoreless regulation time, Hofstra (1-3) got possession and drove the ball down the field to begin overtime. The Pride got an early corner, taken by Mercedes Currie. Less than half a minute later, Verdoes beat three defenders to the ball after a blocked shot and ripped one from just inside the shooting circle to the back of the net. 

Verdoes, the only member of the Pride with a goal this season, led both sides with eight shots and five on goal. Djuna Slort hit the net on two of her four shots on the afternoon while Cami Valor took two, hitting the net once. Frankie O’Brien hit the net with her only shot while Cami Larsson missed her only shot of the game. Off the bench, Sydney LeGuillow and Samantha Spera each took one shot and hit the net with it.

For Wagner, whose assistant coach Maddie Warfel played for the Pride from 2016-19, was led by Agustina DeHarbe’s three shots but Julia Pastorino was the only one who hit the net, doing so on her only shot. Emma Brushingham also made an attempt at the net off the bench. Keeper Erin Franklin finished the game with nine saves in her collegiate debut.

The Pride outshot the Seahawks 18-5 and 11-1 in shots on goal. It was the first time this season Hofstra led in either category and both were season highs. Hofstra also took eight penalty corners to Wagner’s three.

The Pride is back in action on Sunday, March 7 at 1 p.m. when they face Sacred Heart at Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium. Fans will not be allowed to attend.

Photo Courtesy of Evan Bernstein/The Hofstra Chronicle