Geneseo’s field hockey team captured the SUNYAC Championship by defeating the Cortland Red Dragons in double overtime on Nov. 7.
Cortland’s Red Dragons held the initial advantage with an unassisted goal in the second quarter by Alanie Genter, which was followed by an unassisted goal in third quarter from Hannah Burchell. Down 2-0 in the third quarter, it was pivotal that the Knights halted Cortland’s upward momentum; a 3-0 deficit would have been extraordinarily difficult to overcome.
Luckily for Geneseo, the team responded with newfound aggression and focus. Starting with a goal in the third by senior defender Julia Kim, the Knights went on to score three unanswered goals to take the lead.
However, Geneseo was not able to maintain its lead in the fourth quarter. Burchell once again capitalized on an opening and scored her second goal of the night for Cortland. Both teams, with the championship on the line, played stifling defense from that point forward and neither was able to get a goal in regulation.
In overtime, it was clear that laborious gameplay was wearing on the players. Despite Cortland being 8-0 in overtime games this season, Geneseo was undeterred and played the aggressor with seven total shots-on-goal during the first overtime period which completely outmatched Cortland’s single shot attempt. Neither team managed to score a goal.
The Knights’ unrelenting forcefulness proved to be the game’s deciding factor, as the Cortland offense failed to produce a single shot on goal in double overtime. Through sheer will, the Knights continued to attack the opposing goal. Ultimately, senior forward Erin Nolan was able to secure a 4-3 victory and the SUNYAC title for Geneseo with her double-overtime goal.
Nolan had a superb game with a team high two goals. Her stellar play and clutch mindset under pressure shouldn’t be a surprise, as this was the fourth game-winning goal of her career. She was named the Most Valuable Player because of her tremendous talent, skill displayed and work ethic.
According to Nolan, the success against Cortland was predicated on tremendous preparation. “Our coaches prepared our team all season because they created a culture of success,” she said. Geneseo knew how to “shut them down,” which was evident by the fantastic shot-denial during the overtime periods.
While the championship would have been great regardless of the circumstances, coming back from a 2-0 deficit made it that much sweeter. “Coming back to win in overtime after initially being down 2-0 was incredible. We never gave up and we truly could not have done it without each other,” Nolan said.
Furthermore, she believes that each member of Geneseo’s roster was essential to actualizing the team’s championship aspirations and potential. Everyone practiced hard and worked diligently on the field, and they fostered bonds off it. Having a cohesive unit allowed the squad to not only triumph in the face of adversity, but flourish.
In fact, the team wasn’t only good throughout the season, it was historic. Including the championship game, Geneseo managed to achieve 19 wins on the season, a program record.
Even though winning the SUNYAC title was a major goal of the season and should be celebrated, there is more to achieve. The victory against Cortland guarantees the Knights a spot in the NCAA Division III Tournament. The first game of the tournament will take place on Saturday Nov. 16 in Ewing, N.J. where Geneseo will face MIT.