LYNCHBURG, VA. – No.14 Harvard field hockey narrowly fell to undefeated No. 9 Liberty 2-1 on Friday afternoon after pushing the game into overtime late in the fourth quarter.
Sofia Castore was solid in net as the senior made numerous saves throughout the first three quarters to help keep the Crimson (2-1 and 0-0 in the Ivy League) in the game.
For the second time in three games, the Crimson found themselves heading into overtime after
Sage Piekarski scored off a corner attempt to tie the game at 1. In a game riddled with corners for both teams, Liberty scored late in the first overtime frame to capture the victory.
How it Happened
Sofia Castore made two huge stops late in the first quarter off a corner attempt as the ball bounced around in front of the net. The senior made two stops including a sprawling attempt that led to a Crimson clear. Liberty struck first after scoring late in the first quarter off a corner attempt and took a 1-0 lead into the second quarter. The Flames had two corner attempts in the first quarter of play.
Coming out of the half, Castore made another incredible stop just as the third quarter got underway. In a 1-1 attempt the senior jumped towards a Liberty forward and was able to get a piece of the shot to help keep the score where it was. Shortly after that
Emily Guckian found
Avery Donahue for what was the best opportunity for the Crimson offense at that point. Guckian threaded a pass to Donahue who was barely able to get a shot off.
The Crimson offense started gaining momentum in the third and fourth quarters after seven shot attempts in the second half. After six corners in the fourth quarter alone, the Crimson offense started to put pressure on the Flames as they looked to even the score.
Harvard pulled Castore with 2:30 remaining in the final quarter in order to get the extra attacker. Shortly after pulling its goalie, the Crimson was awarded a corner with just over two minutes to play. Off a shot from
Bronte-May Brough,
Sage Piekarski was able tip the shot past the Liberty goalkeeper for her first career goal and to send the game to overtime.
Next Up
Harvard concludes its trip to Virginia with a Sunday matchup with No. 6 Virginia at 12:00 p.m. on ESPN+ and ACCNX.
