Liv Metz
Brockport Field Hockey improves to 4-2 with a shutout victory over Elmira.
Brockport Field Hockey dominated almost every aspect of the game, leading to a decisive 4-0 win over Elmira College. Sophomore Cassidy Pado and first year Clare Devine both scored in the first quarter, allowing Brockport to take an early lead it did not relinquish.
“Offensive aggressiveness is super important,” Brockport head coach Krista Archambeau said. “We talk about possessing the ball and not caring who finishes as long as we finish. The players were selfless in the circle today, and that made the difference.”
The Golden Eagles kept Elmira on the defensive. Brockport had 28 shots on goal compared to Elmira’s six.
“I feel like we had a good start,” Devine said. “When we get that momentum going, we are able to work together to make sure we have all spots covered.”
Brockport, with its offensive dominance, was able to extend the lead in the second quarter. This time it was first year Emily Nestor who found the back of the net to make the score 3-0 going into the second half.
Elmira came out strong in the second half, taking possession and pushing the ball into Brockport’s end, but even with the pressure, Elmira was not able to take advantage.
“Our back line stayed disciplined and never let them get comfortable in the circle,” Archambeau said.
In the final minutes, Brockport swung the pressure back on Elmira. Elmira’s goalkeeper, Angelina Caban tried her hardest to keep the score close with 11 saves, but the Golden Eagles were able to keep the pressure up, allowing more shots on the goal. Brockport also earned 14 penalty corners, compared to Elmira’s two.
Brockport held the momentum into the fourth quarter, as first year Elise Brady scored the final goal to increase the lead to four.
“Communication is one of the biggest things we focus on,” Brady said. “In practice we are always working on talking off the ball and helping each other. That is what keeps us playing together as a team.”
The shutout victory was exactly what the Golden Eagles needed, as the effort and grit matched Brockport’s identity.
“They’re gritty and resilient,” said Archambeau. “Every time we face adversity, it brings us closer together, and today we showed what we’re capable of when we play our game.”
The Golden Eagles improve to 4-2 and look to carry that momentum into their next game as Brockport hosts Oswego St. Face off is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24th at 4 p.m.