No. 10 Field Hockey Posts Third-Straight Shutout in 5-0 Victory Over UMass Lowell
BOX SCORE
ALBANY, N.Y. – The scoring and defensive prowess continued for No. 10 University at Albany field hockey (9-2, 1-0 AE) on Saturday afternoon, as the Great Danes downed UMass Lowell (4-7, 0-1 AE) 5-0 at Alumni Field.
“Our first focus is always our defense,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We try to defend from each position on the field, and it's nice to see us get better and better each game. Everything from an offensive and defensive perspective is coming together for us at the right time.”
Pahila Arnold opened scoring for the Great Danes just seven minutes in, notching one goal in her second consecutive game. The freshman recovered a penalty corner rebound for the score.
Arnold found fellow German Paula Heuser on a give-and-go penalty corner set to give UAlbany a 2-0 lead with 10 minutes left in the half. Laura Page also earned an assist on the play. The Great Danes took a 10-0 shot advantage into the break.
Senior Echo Bretz got in on the scoring to open the second half. She was the recipient of a pass through the center of the circle from Emily White. One minute later, Heuser converted on a penalty corner to give the Great Danes a 4-0 lead. The goal was her 14th of the season and marked her 80th career point for the Purple & Gold. Heuser has 35 points for the season with seven regular season contests remaining.
Freshman Anna Bottino scored her fifth goal of the season unassisted to conclude scoring with 20 minutes left in the game.
Maxi Primus picked up the shutout win in the cage. The sophomore has allowed just six goals the entire season.
Phil Sykes's 10th-ranked Danes are now 5-0 at home in 2014. The Purple & Gold holds a 38-6 goal advantage over its opponents, and has taken nearly twice as many penalty corners (75-39).
UAlbany (9-2, 1-0 AE) plays its final home non-conference game of the regular season tomorrow, Sunday Oct. 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Turf.
