Gulls Offensive Pressure Not Enough As They Fall To Univ. Maine Farmington

FARMINGTON, Maine – The Endicott field hockey team traveled to the University of Maine at Farmington on Saturday afternoon. The contest was well matched with offensive pressure from both sides. Despite the efforts in front of the cage, the Gulls fell to the Beavers 3-1. Junior Mackenzie Hurst (Gilford, N.H.) scored the only goal for the Blue and Green. The Gulls now move to 2-3 while the Beavers stand at 1-1.

The first half turned out to be a possession game from both sides, each had a lot of time with the ball and forced offensive pressure. The Gulls were a force in transition to the circle by creating five offensive corners. They had a couple of opportunities to get on the board but just could not find the back of the net. Senior Amanda Glynn (Hampton, N.H.) had a great shot late in the second half off a fast break but the shot sailed just wide.

The Beavers also possessed an offensive push. Their forward line did a great job forcing the ball into the circle and creating plays but the Gulls defense was strong on the back line with efforts from senior goalkeeper Lizetta Solarik (Carmel, N.Y.) who came out of the half with three saves. Farmington was able to get on the board after senior Kate Storey (North Yarmouth, Maine) blasted a shot from the top of the goal that tapped a defenders stick and created a fluke deflection that soared up and over the head of Solarik. Defensively the Gulls possessed a strong front only letting up three corners in the half.

The second half started with a quick goal from the Blue and Green as Hurst was able to tie up the game. Endicott had earned an offensive corner and senior Stacie Teevens (Westborough, Mass.) received a pass from the top off the circle, made a quick move around a defender and found Hurst in front of the goal who was then able to get it past junior goalkeeper Curran Brierley (East Hampton, N.Y). 

The tie would not last for long, as moments later the Beavers answered back as junior Chelsea Morley (York, Maine) dribbled across cage to find sophomore teammate Delainey Kein (Unity, Maine) who sent a shot at Solarik after a scuffle in front of the net and was able to bank it into the left corner.

Endicott tried to answer back numerous times but just could not finish in the circle. With their efforts came 10 offensive corners in the second half alone. A big opportunity presented itself as there was pressure in front of the net and junior Elizabeth LeClair (Wilton, Maine) caught Kein off her angle and blasted one to the cage but the Beavers defense was able to get a stick on the play and force it out of bounds.

Farmington added an insurance goal with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Senior Kaitlyn Bullen (New Sharon, Maine) was able to finish a deflection from senior Kashley Weymouth (Pittston, Maine) to find the back of the net.

Despite the loss the Gulls presented a strong offensive front that just could not finish. Junior LeClair, Meghan Leary (Hampton Fall, N.H.), Jessica Linden (Stratford, Conn.) and Alyssa Clark (Gorham, Maine) were a strong presence in the midfield and were a big reason for pressure beyond the 50.

Endicott will look ahead to their final road game of a three-game stretch on Tuesday as they head to Westfield State for a 7:00 PM start. The Beavers will head to Colby on Wednesday for an out of conference match at 7:00 PM.