FROSTBURG, Md.- The Frostburg State field hockey team earned their first-ever win over a ranked Division II opponent, taking down No. 7 Indiana (Pa.) at home on Wednesday afternoon.
IUP started out the game on the front foot, getting early possession, winning an early penalty corner, and firing off a shot within the first two minutes. The Bobcats responded with some great team play and worked their way back into the contest, as freshman Paige Leitzel put the game's first shot on target, though her effort was saved by Crimson Hawk keeper Amanda Zaner. With just over 13 minutes gone in the quarter, sophomore Olivia Wenzel made a great run down the right side of the field, feeding fellow sophomore Macy Layfield for the opening goal and a 1-0 Frostburg lead. With time running down in the period, IUP stormed down the field and looked certain to level the score, but junior Maddie Wallis positioned herself well to make a great defensive save and end the quarter with the lead.
In the second period, FSU's defense stepped up and didn't allow the Crimson Hawks a sniff at goal, while at the other end Layfield twice threatened to double the lead, but both of her efforts were sent wide. Going into halftime, the Bobcats maintained their 1-0 lead looking to keep the shutout going.
Frostburg continued their dominance into the third quarter, with junior Emilie Bonhivert and Layfield both forcing substitute goalkeeper Brooke Eberly into early saves to keep IUP in the game. In the final five minutes of the period, Leitzel, Wenzel, and sophomore Femke Hofkamp all peppered the Crimson Hawk goal with shots, but still weren't able to get the two-goal lead. Frostburg held IUP without a shot once again in the entire quarter, with the trio of Wallis, senior Madison Hackett, and sophomore Ava Waddell all protecting senior Madison Manalansan's goal.
The Bobcats finally broke the game open six minutes into the fourth, as Bonhivert forced Eberly into a good save, but the resulting rebound fell right to senior Rachael Rallo, who finished into the empty cage for a 2-0 lead. Three and a half minutes later, a well-worked corner resulted in Wenzel finishing a feed from junior Skylar Slimmer for a commanding three-goal advantage. The Crimson Hawks had one late attack to try and get a consolation goal, but Manalansan shut it down with a save to end the game 3-0 in favor of FSU.
With the win, Frostburg rises to 5-3 while IUP falls to 4-2 on the season. The Bobcats will be back in action on Saturday, October 1 at 11AM to take on Lidenwood, where it will be Senior Day for FSU. For more information and updates, visit www.frostburgsports.com.
