Laura Page Sets All-Time Program Record in Career Assists as No. 7 Field Hockey Downs Ohio State 3-1
BOX SCORE
COLUMBUS, OHIO - Out to a 2-0 start for the third consecutive year, No. 7 University at Albany field hockey (2-0) took a 3-1 win at Ohio State (1-1) on Sunday afternoon. Paula Heuser tallied two goals, while senior midfielder Laura Page became the all-time UAlbany career assists leader with 51 to date.
“In Friday's game, we definitely had some first-game jitters in the first half,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We looked much more relaxed today, and distributed the ball very well. Our new faces have really taken to the game plan, and I'm happy with the progress we've made this weekend.”
The Buckeyes found themselves down a player early, as Morgan Kile picked up a green card less than three minutes into the game. UAlbany took advantage on the ensuing penalty corner, as Heuser slammed home her first goal of the day. Page stopped the insert from Fiori Van Rijswijk, as both were credited with assists.
Despite the quick lead, the Danes did not let down up front. Anna Bottino put a shot on net after regaining possession for UAlbany at midfield. Senior forward Liza Morgan had two good looks as well in the opening 15 minutes.
Maxi Primus held the lead intact with two saves on Ohio State's first penalty corner. The junior would finish with seven stops in the cage to tie her career high.
With the Purple & Gold regaining the momentum, Heuser fired on target off of a penalty corner, and Megan Ma hit the post on the save rebound. Van Rijswijk would take back possession for another shot, but Heuser eventually came up with the goal to put the Danes up 2-0 in the 29th minute. UAlbany would take the two-goal advantage into the break.
Despite an 8-2 edge in shots in the first half, the Buckeyes came out swinging in the second period. Maddy Humphrey ended UAlbany's shutout effort less than five minutes into the second stanza. Sykes called timeout at the end of an Ohio State shooting rally with 10 minutes gone.
UAlbany responded on a penalty corner, as Van Rijswijk inserted to Heuser, and got the ball back in the circle to put the Danes up 3-1.
The officials handed out three cards, including two yellows in the final 20 minutes of the game. Primus made four saves down the stretch to keep UAlbany up and secure the victory.
Page passed Jess Lindsey to become the all-time career UAlbany leader in assists just two games into her senior season. The midfielder ranked second nationally last season in assists per game.
Heuser had two goals and one assist for five points on the day. The junior had an 11-point weekend, and scored five of the six UAlbany goals in two games.
The Danes have a week-long break before taking on Hofstra (2-0) on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The game is slated for a 3:00 p.m., start from Hempstead.