Ella Pasquarelli's game-winning goal proved to be the difference as Rensselaer secured its first-ever regular season Liberty League title in a 1-0 win over the Ithaca College Bombers. Undefeated in the conference at 6-0 and boasting a 13-2 overall record, the team continues to have its winningest season in program history.
A momentous day for Rensselaer field hockey
As time expired, the Engineers rushed onto the field to celebrate in front of their goal. Along with the regular-season title, Rensselaer won its thirteenth game of the season, making it the highest win tally since 2001. “I've seen this program really grow in the last four years from when we were sixth in the league, and now we're undefeated right now,” said senior Katie Galgay. “It's a great feeling.”
Field hockey’s moment has arrived. Last year, a series of close losses, including a shootout loss to then #25-ranked Ithaca, upended their strong start to the season and caused them to miss the Liberty League Championship playoffs. “Everyone's been putting the work in in the offseason,” said attacker Sophia Brown—who broke the program's goal-scoring record last year. “We came in ready, we worked really well together. We always say that we're playing our best when we're having fun, and that's what we go out and do.”
Rensselaer had what it took to beat a difficult Ithaca side
It seemed almost fitting that Ithaca was one of the last obstacles the Engineers had to overcome to clinch the conference title. The Bombers have had Rensselaer’s number, downing the Engineers in each of their previous six matches. The Bombers remain a tough team to beat thanks to their strong goalkeeper and defenders; only two of their losses were decided by more than a single goal. Ironically, this game was a must-win for the Bombers to keep their playoff hopes alive as a loss would drop themselves to sixth place and out of playoff contention.
Rensselaer controlled the game for much of the first quarter, creating four penalty corners and forcing a save from Ithaca’s goalkeeper, but were unable to find a goal. Finally, in the third quarter, senior defender Emily Dubord broke through Ithaca's defense. Recovering an Ithaca clearance, Dubord—from well beyond the 23-meter line—fired a pass that whizzed past the Bombers defense to the stick of Pasquarelli, who promptly slipped the ball under the goalkeeper, scoring the winning goal.
Ithaca initially attempted to create breakaways and forward momentum by intercepting passes or forcing Engineer fouls. While it created chances, the approach ultimately proved to be ineffective throughout the first half. Once Rensselaer took the lead and with time winding down, a desperate Ithaca had to change strategies. “When we see another team have to adjust to us, that's really exciting.” says Dubord. Ithaca played more aggressively, generating momentum even at the cost of losing possession for offensive fouls. Rensselaer, however, kept the Bombers at bay, only three of the eight Ithaca shots were on target and all three were saved by goalie Olivia Brovak.
“Being able to beat a team like that that has beat us a lot historically, and be able to keep them at bay, keep them out of our circle, and really play excellent defense on them, to keep it to be a shutout–that's just an amazing feeling.” added Dubord.
The fun is far from over for Rensselaer. This Saturday, the Engineers can break the program's win record when they host second-place Vassar at Harkness Field. By clinching first place, the Engineers earned a spot in the semifinals of the Liberty League Championship, another accolade the Engineers are looking to win. The box score can be found here.
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