SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Frostburg State Field Hockey team won their first game of the season, defeating Converse in overtime by a score of 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.
Action started early in the first quarter for both teams, with Converse earning three corners and taking two shots within the first five minutes. Nina Buyst came off the bench for the Valkyries, coming in hot scoring the first goal of the game. Both teams played back and forth for the following few minutes with no action, until junior Macy Layfield had an open shot on goal which was blocked resulting in another corner. Off of the corner and to finish the first quarter, sophomore Paige Leitzel had an opportunity to score, but was rejected by the CU's goalie.
Frostburg started the second half attacking the goal, taking two shots with the result of a corner. Off of the corner taken by Leitzel, senior Emilie Bonhivert scored the Bobcats first goal of the season and the game, tying the game up at one. Trying to respond and take the lead, Converse led the attack with a shot and two corners. FSU's defense was able to block both shots and get the ball back on their offense half. Junior Femke Hofkamp proceeded to take two shots, one wide and one blocked, allowing the score to remain tied at one going into the break.
The Bobcats gained possession to start the third, setting up Leitzel for another shot that was just wide. CU proceeded to push the ball up the field, resulting in another goal from Buyst. Trying to tie the game once more, FSU had a couple more looks on goal, but were unable to put one in the back of the cage in the third.
To start off the fourth, the Valkyries received a green card, while Frostburg had two looks on goal, with shots sent wide and blocked. FSU earned a corner, resulting in another save for the CU goalie. Looking to rally, junior Ava Waddell regained possession for the Bobcats, assisting Bonhivert for her second goal of the day to tie things at 2-2. With nine minutes left to play in regulation, neither team was able to get anything going on offense, sending the game into overtime.
Both teams struggled to get things going in overtime, until freshman Gracie Daniels made a perfect pass to Leitzel, who was able to find the back of the cage for the game winning goal and a 3-2 Bobcat victory.
With the win, Frostburg moves to an overall record of 1-0, while Converse falls to 0-1. FSU will remain on the road, traveling to play Wingate on Monday, September 4 at 12 PM. For more information and updates, please visit frostburgsports.com.
