The field hockey team found itself down 4-1 with 12 minutes to go against Bates College this past Saturday, but then came back to win 5-4. With its playoff hopes on the line, the team rallied to tie the game at the end of regulation, and then, in a thrilling conclusion, finished the win in penalty strokes.
The Cardinals went down 3-0 in the first 23 minutes of the game, and the slow start resulted in a goal tending change. After the switch, Danie Leahy ’12 held the Bobcats to only one more goal for the remainder of the game. The Cardinals however, had not been able to put in four goals all season.
After Lila Creighton ’11 scored in the first half, the Cards followed up in the second half with their biggest offensive output of the season.
Down by three goals (4-1) with time running out, Alexa David ’10 led the comeback charge. Her goal in the 58th minute started an offensive outbreak, as freshman sensation Liz Chabot ’12 then scored two unassisted goals within six minutes of each other to knot the score at four at the end of regulation.
“A lot of teams would have rolled over if they were down 4-1 during the game,” said captain Hailey Sarage ’09. “We just kept chipping away at them because we weren’t leaving without a win,”
Although Wesleyan dominated the overtime period, neither team was able to break the tie in the two 15-minute periods of overtime play. The game had to be settled in penalty strokes, which is similar to penalty kicks in a soccer game.
Sarage struck first for Wesleyan with a fancy shot placed confidently in the upper left corner. Chabot and Morgan McCauley ’12 followed suit, netting their succeeding shots.
Breen McDonald ’10 re-entered the game to protect the net from the Bates shooters during penalty strokes, and stopped two of the first three shots that she faced.
Although Wesleyan did not convert on its fourth stroke, Breen made another save on Bates’ next stroke and thus locked up the victory for the Cardinals. Breen’s performance during the penalty strokes can be described with one word: clutch.
“The Bates game was undoubtedly the highlight of our season,” said Elle Celeste ’10. “It proved that even when we are down we can pick ourselves up and finish it. Everyone gave their best performance and there is nothing more anyone could have asked for.”
The victory over Bates was Wesleyan’s first NESCAC win and it brings its record to 3-10. The Cardinals still have a chance at a NESCAC playoff if they win their Friday night game against Connecticut College.
The game should be a tight one and all are encouraged to root their team into the playoffs Friday night at 6 p.m. under the lights at the turf, Smith Field.
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