Hofstra field hockey loses in last CAA game 2-1 to Monmouth

The Hofstra University field hockey team lost 2-1 to the Monmouth University Hawks on Friday, Oct. 27. The Pride falls to 1-5 in conference games and 5-12 this season; meanwhile, Monmouth won its second consecutive Coastal Athletic Association regular season title.

Hofstra jumped out to the early lead just four minutes into the first quarter when Jamie Lewis stole the ball and rushed up the field by herself. She made a clever pass back to the top of the circle to junior Simryn Desai who ripped a shot that Lewis tipped in. The tip-in goal was Lewis’ second and Desai’s first assist of the season.

The Hawks answered back in the third when Johanna Karlhuber scored on a penalty stroke. Monmouth then grabbed the lead when Sofia Fouces scored her 17th goal of the season, making her No. 6 in goals per game in the NCAA.

“[Lewis] brings incredible energy,” said Hofstra head coach Courtney Veinotte. “The first word that comes to mind when I think of her is competitor. She’s really worked hard this season to improve her tackling and be a stronger presence in all aspects of the game. She really knows how to get her stick on the ball inside the circle and it showed again today.”

The Pride started strong with the early goal from Lewis which in turn stunned the Hawks, who did not record a shot until the last five minutes of the quarter. The first quarter featured a feeling-out process that suppressed most offensive chances while both teams’ defense held strong. Still, play started tipping in Monmouth’s favor as time dwindled in the period. In total, Monmouth outshot the Pride 3-1.

The Hawks continued to look hungry for offense as the first half progressed, adding seven more shots and three corners in the second. Despite the overwhelming attack, Hofstra’s defense, led by goalkeeper Pieke Roos, held going into the half.

“They have a very strong transitional game and tons of speed on the outside of the court,” Veinotte said. “I think our backfield did a great job limiting them to just three penalty corners in the first half. I felt like we had a strong defensive effort today.”

Monmouth came out eager to score in the second half, putting a lot of pressure on the Pride. On a penalty corner, the Hawks were awarded a penalty stroke which Karlhuber buried to tie the game. Despite the defense’s best efforts to keep her off the scoresheet, Fouces scored a minute into the fourth quarter to give Monmouth the lead for the first time in the game and ultimately earn them the win.

With the win, Monmouth improves to 5-1 in conference play and is the first seed in the conference tournament which will be held in Newark, Delaware, on Nov. 3-5. The Pride did not qualify for the conference tournament and will play their last game of the season and senior day game on Sunday, Oct. 29, against Rider University at 1 p.m. at home at Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics/Jim Agnew