ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Frostburg State Field Hockey team concluded their weekend trip to Missouri, falling to St. Louis on Sunday afternoon with a 7-1 final.
Saint Louis got off to a quick start, earning a penalty corner in the first three minutes of the game. The Billikens pounded away two shots at goal off the corner, both being swatted away by Frostburg goalie junior Zoe Barnes. After keeping possession on their offensive half, SLU found themselves with another penalty corner, inserting the ball right away and moving it around for back-to-back shots, with the first one being saved by Barnes, while the second shot found the back of the net for a 1-0 St. Louis lead. The Billikens tried three more chances at goal, with Barnes racking up two more saves, as SLU remained on top 1-0 after the first 15 minutes of play.
FSU struggled to keep possession heading into the second, as they were unable to put together any ball movement to push down field. The Billikens continued to work the ball on their offensive side, setting themselves up for shot after shot. Barnes picked up another save, before SLU sent their next shot wide, followed by the Bobcat's defense blocking their next look at goal. With around four minutes left in the second, Frostburg earned a corner, sending freshman Hannah Haberkorn to insert. Junior Paige Leitzel was able to send off a shot after the corner but was denied by the Billiken's defensive end. Saint Louis was able to gain possession off the shot, marching down field for another chance that was saved by Barnes. SLU dominated possession as the quarter ended, ripping away five more shots off two penalty corners, but FSU's defense was able to stand strong, helping the Bobcat's trail only 1-0 at the break.
Barnes collected a save to kick off the third quarter, just a try before St. Louis knotted another goal to extend their lead to 2-0. The Billikens continued to roll on offense, maintaining possession in their half once again, which led to a penalty corner. After SLU spread the ball around inside, they were awarded a penalty stroke, after Barnes was given a yellow card. St. Louis was able to get the ball passed Barnes, resulting in a 3-0 game. FSU wasn't able to set up anything on their end offensively, as the Billikens took three more shots at goal, getting two more to go by for a 5-0 edge heading into the fourth and final corner.
Both teams battled for the ball in the opening minutes of the fourth, with SLU taking their first look at goal two minutes in. Frostburg was able to stand in the way, blocking the shot, but the Billikens were able to succeed on their next attempt at goal, extending the game to 6-0. Sophomore Ella Esham came in for the Bobcats in goal to finish out the game, right before FSU had a break down field, looking for their first score of the game. Senior Zoe Reading was able to place the ball at the stick of sophomore Emma Price, with Price slicing it home for a 6-1 game with around seven minutes left in regulation. SLU was able to answer three minutes later, connecting on the final goal of the game, for a 7-1 score as time winded out.
With the loss, Frostburg moves to 3-3 on the season, while St. Louis picked up their first victory of the season for a 1-5 record. The Bobcats stay on the road for their next game, where they open PSAC play on Saturday, September 28 at 7 PM against Mansfield. For more information and updates, please visit frostburgsports.com.
