In a thrilling encounter, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) field hockey team faced the University of Rochester, ultimately losing in a shootout. The match took place at Harkness Field, where RPI fell short with a final score of 3-2.
Game Highlights
The match began with an early advantage for Rochester. Sofia LaFalce scored the first goal from a penalty stroke in the seventh minute. However, RPI equalized just before the end of the first quarter.
- RPI Goal Scorers:
- Ria Patel – 1 goal
- Sophia Brown – 1 goal (15th of the season)
Patel’s goal came at the 38-second mark of the first quarter. RPI then surged ahead with an impressive performance in the third quarter. Five minutes into the second half, Brown extended the team’s lead to 2-1 after a sustained offensive effort.
Tight Finish
RPI’s dominance continued as they made an impressive nine shots without a response in the third quarter. Yet, Rochester managed a dramatic comeback. Cassidy Romano scored with just two and a half minutes left in regulation, leveling the match at 2-2.
Shootout Outcome
After two overtime periods failed to produce a winner, the game proceeded to a shootout. In this decisive phase, Rochester was flawless, scoring on all three attempts. RPI, despite a solid performance with 19 total shots, could not secure a win.
- Game Statistics:
- Total Shots: RPI 19, Rochester 15
- Shots on Goal: RPI 10, Rochester 3
- Penalty Corners: RPI 5
RPI’s keeper, Tess Garchinsky, made one save, while Rochester’s goalie, Houston, recorded eight saves, four of which occurred during the crucial third quarter. The Engineers are set to play their next match against New Paltz, aiming to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
