Hofstra field hockey shutout at Bryant

The Hofstra University field hockey team was shut out 2-0 against the Bryant University Bulldogs on Sunday, Oct. 22. The Pride falls to 5-11 this season, while the Bulldogs go to 6-9 with this non-conference matchup.

Sophomore Andrea Losiak led the Pride in shooting with two total shots, one on goal. Freshman Jaime Lewis and junior Silvia Vetter also each recorded a shot on goal. Freshman Hella Vorpagel made six saves on eight shots, while sophomore Jamie McMillan and freshman Ella Bonnell each made two defensive saves.

An eager Bulldog attack was stymied early on by the Pride’s defense. The first shot of the game in the fourth minute, by Bryant’s Ashley Barron, was held off with a dive by Vorpagel. The game’s first penalty corner occurred in the 13th minute when McMillan deflected a close shot from the left side. Vorpagel held off another shot in the first to leave the period without a score.

Bryant came out swinging in the second and capitalized on the game’s second penalty corner to get on the scoreboard with a goal from midfielder Taryn Rauff, assisted by Olivia Clarke. Just before the half, a shot by Bryant’s Brittany Gouws was met by another defensive save by McMillan.

The third quarter saw sparks from the Pride’s offense, but they were unable to score against the Bulldogs. Losiak’s lone shot on goal in the opening minute was saved by Bryant goalie Dieneke Hes, who totaled three saves on the day. Lewis also took a strike with no luck. A Bryant penalty corner in the 36th minute brought two close-range shots in four seconds, both of which were defended by Vorpagel.

In the final quarter, Vorpagel recorded two more saves on shots from Bryant’s Rauff and Gouws. Two additional shots by Bryant’s Sarah Van Scoten were stopped by Pride defender Bonnell. However, Bryant couldn’t be held off too much longer, as Natalie Griffin scored in the 51st minute off the assist from Emma Rothkopf and Gouws. The Pride's five penalty corners occurred in the last period.

Hofstra was outshot 5-15 in total and 3-12 in shots on goal. The Pride took five penalty corners to Bryant’s 10. Bryant earned their first win all-time against Hofstra. The Pride look to end a five-game skid as they return to Coastal Athletic Association action on the road against Monmouth University on Friday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Jim Agnew