Laura Sarria
Sports Editor
With the aggressive dedication shown on the Whitenight Field, one of the field hockey’s hardest opponents was a challenge that did not knock the Warriors down.
Freshman Celeste Veenstra scored two astonishing goals — one of them being the winning goal on the last minute against Kutztown on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
“It was an unexpected goal,” said Veenstra, “but I am really happy that I was able to score the goal with the help of my teammates.”
After the Golden Bears scored the first goal of the game, Senior Paige Harrold assisted the ball to Veenstra to score the first goal in the first half. The Bears came back with another goal, leaving the Warriors on a 2-1 losing stand at half-time.
“Today’s game really tested us,” said senior Paige Harrold. “Kutztown came out really fighting.”
Senior Kelli Shapiro, at minute 13, scored the second goal — tying the game 2-2. The tension and excitement began to rise among the crowd and players.
Numerous close goal-scoring shots were taken on both sides, the time seemed to tick down faster, until Veenstra received the ball at the outside and dribbled down the right side of the field.
She worked her way around the Kutztown players and found the opening spot for her shot on the left side of the goal cage.
“Good teams can battle back and get the win; we somehow found the way to win,” said head coach Sandy Miller.
Although with the great win, powerful execution and defensive plays, coach Miller had a few different thoughts.
“We did not play as well as we should have,” said coach Miller. “I do not want to take anything away from Kutztown because they [Kutztown] played us unbelievably tough.”
“Today was a team effort all around,” said Harrold.
The Warriors currently stand with a 5-0 in the PSAC and a 11 –2 record with five more games left to finish off the season.
“Other than today’s game, we have been playing pretty good hockey,” said coach Miller.
To prepare for their remaining games, coach Miller will reinforce their ESU’s brand of hockey which is valuing position, putting work in defensively, and good first touches.
“We need to go back and look at film to see where we need to improve,” said Harrold. “From here we need to keep going.”
The Warriors also defeated IUP and Millersville. Their next match will be on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at West Chester.
The Warriors will then face Seton Hill on their senior night Saturday Nov. 1 at 1 p.m.
Come and support your Warriors!
Email Laura at:
lsarria@live.esu.edu
