The RPI field hockey girls traveled to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., on October 1 to play Vassar College for their third Liberty League game. Going into this match, the Red Hawks held an overall record of 7-2 and an undefeated 2-0 league record. The women hoped to better their current standings and continue to work hard to reach their goal of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.
Following a scoreless first half, both teams worked hard, trying to gain the lead. The first goal of the game came as junior Margaret Chowaniec scored her first goal of the season almost 15 minutes into the second half. Chowaniec was assisted by junior forward Kristiina Baker, who was able to break free from a defender along the baseline to guide the ball right towards Chowaniec for the goal. As the game came to a close, junior Shaina Feldman was able to score an unassisted goal, raising the score to 2-0 with 25 seconds left. With no more advances in the remaining seconds of the game, the Red Hawks claimed another victory, bringing the away game record to 3-2.
With one save in each half, freshman Briana Earle recorded her third shut-out of the season, which placed her first in the Liberty League for the highest number of shut-outs for a single goalie in the season. Earle was named Liberty League Rookie of the Week yet again with a .859 save percentage and a 7-2 record. Baker and sophomore Sandy Turnbull lead the Red Hawks this season with five goals and two assists, and four goals and four assists, respectively. Senior Lisa Pak follows with three goals.
RPI field hockey is now ranked first in the Liberty League and 18th in the nation. The Red Hawks return to the field on Friday against Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. Hamilton is currently ranked sixth in the Liberty League. Hamilton will face the second-ranked team in the league, St. Lawrence University, the following day on October 11, away from their home turf in Canton, N.Y. The Red Hawks hope to improve their six streak win and hold their place in the league.
With an overall record of 8-2 and a league record of 3-0, the Red Hawks have had a very successful season thus far. They continue to sport an undefeated home record which they hope to keep throughout the remainder of the season. With less than one month left in the competition schedule, the women have four more Liberty League games and three non-league matches that will keep them on their feet and push them harder to succeed.
