The RPI field hockey team started a long stretch of road play Saturday against the William Smith Herons, and continued on Sunday against the Rochester Yellowjackets. The Herons were able to beat the Red Hawks 5-1, but Rensselaer was able to come back and shut out Rochester 2-0.
William Smith was able to jump out to a quick lead four minutes into the game with an unassisted goal by Lily Gillett. Lauren Fuller added to the lead six minutes later. RPI got onto the board 17 minutes into the half with a goal by Sondra Sherman. Sophie Dennis scored another goal 12 minutes later to put the Herons up 3-1 at the end of the half.
The Herons’ defense, which has only let in seven goals this season, continued to play well through the second half. Fuller and Dennis each added a goal for William Smith, and the game ended 5-1. Sophomore Amanda Lund and freshman Jen O’Neil split time in the net for RPI, making five saves and two saves, respectively.
The Red Hawks bounced back in their game against the Yellowjackets on Sunday. Both teams started slow, but Laurie Young was able to get RPI onto the board 12 minutes into the game. Young added to RPI’s lead with a second goal 13 minutes later.The second half saw Rochester firing on goaltender O’Neil to no avail. O’Neil stayed strong, making three saves in the game. With the win, she notched her first collegiate shutout, as well as RPI’s first shutout of the season.
RPI now stands tied for fourth with Rochester in the UCAA with a 2-3 record, and is 5-6 overall. Both William Smith and the Skidmore Thoroughbreds are still undefeated in UCAA play and are tied for first place.
RPI continues their road play against Nazareth on Friday and SUNY Brockport Saturday.
