The Geneseo field hockey team opened conference play at home with a game against SUNY Brockport on Friday Sept. 21. While the Knights prevailed with a slim 1-0 score, the score does not reflect the team’s dominating performance.
The game began with back-and-forth possession between Brockport and Geneseo before freshman forward Kailey Suhr took a shot on goal in the 25th minute to energize the team.
The Knights dominated possession until the half as they took two shots that rattled the defense. The team tallied four shots going into the half.
“We definitely had the momentum. Field hockey is a game of momentum shifts so it’s important to control the game,” head coach Jessica Seren said.
Freshman goalie Dayna Mercer also came up with two saves to keep the Knights in the game.
“[Mercer] … came out and made some key saves for us,” Seren said. “She’s aggressive and she’s got two wins under her belt so that’s good for her as far as confidence.”
As the half opened up, possession was even between Geneseo and Brockport. The scoring opened up in the sixth minute of the second half. The Knights forced a penalty corner taken by junior midfielder Katie Farley. The pass found the stick of 2011 SUNYAC All-Conference selection junior Kayla DeAngelis and she slotted a shot to the near post. This marked her third goal in six games, and she won Genese student-athlete of the week.
“[DeAngelis] is a consistent threat on attack for us. I don’t think there is a defender in the conference that can stop her,” Seren said, noting the player’s speed, strength and stick skills. “She’s definitely a big part of our success on attack.”
As the game continued, the Knights dominated possession and took the lion’s share of shots, though the Brockport goaltender saved three goal attempts. Besides dominating the offense, the Knights also shut Brockport down on defense, blocking all potential shots in the second half.
The Knights host St. Lawrence University on Saturday Sept. 29.
Editor’s note:
The Knights blew past Morrisville State College on Wednesday Sept. 26 in an 8-1 win.
DeAngelis’ hat trick helped the Knights take a 5-0 lead by the end of the first half.
Junior Margaret Gerardi and senior Rachel Atkins added one and two goals, respectively.Sophomore Ashley Favata and freshman Sarah Malinak each tallied their first career goals.
Geneseo moves to 4-3 on the season and 2-0 in conference play.