September 18, 2005
BOX SCORE
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Longwood University dropped a 2-1 field hockey decision to Northeast Conference member Rider University Sunday afternoon in Virginia Beach. The Lancers fell to 2-4 on the season, while the Broncs improved their record to 4-3. Longwood will be back in action Saturday, September 24 when they play at Temple. Game time is slated for 2:00 p.m.
After a scoreless first half, Rider scored at the 48:25 mark of the second stanza to take the lead. Courtney Bertos hit a shot from the right side of the arc that sophomore goalkeeper Avanell Schmitz/Newport News (Denbigh) was unable to save.
The Lancers picked up the pressure and tied the game at the 54:41 mark on a goal by junior defender Katie Murphy/Virginia Beach (Princess Anne). The play began with a penalty corner which sophomore forward Cristin Newbold/Norfolk (Maury) laid off to senior midfielder Sarah Hitching/Virginia Beach (Kempsville). Hitching blasted a shot on goal which Rider goalkeeper Krysta Bearish deflected; right into the waiting stick of Murphy. Murphy hit a rocket into the cage for her first goal of the season.
Rider spoiled Longwood’s momentum when Angela Fucco scored the game-winning goal with less than nine minutes left to play in the contest.
The Broncs held the 16-9 advantage in shots and had a 12-4 edge in penalty corners. Schmitz, who is currently ranked 15th in the nation is save percentage and 19th in total saves, closed out the game with eight saves, while Bearish made five for Rider.
