Field hockey falls

The field hockey team dipped below .500 for the first time this season, losing a pair of games to Skidmore and Union last weeekend. On Friday, the Red Hawks took on the Skidmore Thoroughbreds, the seventh-ranked team in the nation. The Thoroughbreds played strong and out shot the Red Hawks 26-5 in a 4-1 win.

The game started off well for the Red Hawks, with Sondra Sherman setting up Jessica Butler to get RPI on the board first with a goal 25 minutes into the game. Three minutes later Skidmore tied the game when Annie Ledyard scored unassisted. Skidmore pulled ahead in the game with four minutes left in the first half with a goal by Katie Weber.

The second half saw two more goals from Weber, to give her three goals in the game. Skidmore goalie Jenna Spackman had two saves, and RPI goaltender Amanda Lund saved nine.

The Red Hawks traveled to Union Saturday and to take on the rival Union Dutchwomen. Both teams played well, but Union was able to score late in the second half to win 1-0. With the win, Union ended an almost two year long UCAA losing streak; their last win was October 20, 2001 against Hamilton.

The game started quickly with RPI controlling much of the play. The Red Hawks produced quite a few chances on Union goalkeeper Amanda Meissner during the first half, but Meissner held strong. Amanda Lund also had a few key saves for RPI, and the first half ended with the teams in a scoreless tie.

The Dutchwomen started the second half with a renewed energy and were able to earn four consecutive penalty corners. Union was able to connect better on their passes, as well as break up many passes RPI was attempting. RPI also continued to fight against the UC defense with numerous chances against Meissner, but the offense was not able to convert.

Theresa Rourke broke the tie for Union with her first goal of the season late in the second half. The Red Hawks pounded 19 shots towards the Union net, but could not get the ball into the net, earning Meissner her first shutout of the season.

RPI returns home to play the Vassar Brewers today at 5 pm.