New Haven, CT – Seniors
Claudia Marin Samper and
Stella Schoen each scored goals but the Pride couldn't overcome a four-goal first half by the Bulldogs as Hofstra dropped a 4-2 decision to host Yale at Johnson Field Sunday afternoon.
In a statistically even contest, four different Yale players scored unassisted goals as the Bulldogs improved to 3-1 on the season. The Pride slipped to 2-4 on the year.
Yale got on the scoreboard first just 4:19 into the contest as Lily Smith scored an unassisted goal, her first tally of the year, for a 1-0 lead. But Hofstra senior All-American
Claudia Marin Samper notched her fourth goal of the year, off a pass from senior
Carissa Witmer, just five minutes later to tie the game at 1-1.
But just 57 seconds later, Yale's Brooke Reese scored her second goal of the season for a 2-1 advantage. The Bulldogs opened up a 3-1 lead as Danee Fitzgerald scored her first goal of the year, off a penalty stroke, at the 14:19 mark. Carol Middough notched her third goal of the season at the 23:38 mark to close out the first half scoring with Yale holding a comfortable, 4-1 lead. The Bulldogs outshot the Pride, 13-7 and had three penalty corners to one for Hofstra.
Despite a 10-4 shot advantage in the second half, Hofstra was unable to slip one past Yale goalie Emilie Katz (5 saves) until the 66th minute when Schoen tallied her fourth of the season to close the deficit to 4-2. But that was all the Pride could get as they dropped their third decision in the last four games. Hofstra did have another scoring opportunity in the contest but Yale defender Holly Jackson made a defensive save in the goal mouth.
Each team took 17 shots in the contest with Yale holding a 4-3 advantage in the penalty corners. Hofstra junior starting goalie
Carys Swan allowed four goals and made three saves in the first half before being replaced by senior
Lauren Saltus, who made two saves in the second half.
Hofstra will return to action on Saturday, September 17 when the Pride host the Broncs of Rider University. Game time at the Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium is 1 p.m.