November 8, 2008

BOX SCORE

FARMVILLE, Va. – The Longwood University field hockey team finished the 2008 NorPac Tournament in grand style, defeating #3 Pacific 3-1 in the third place game. The Lancers finish the season with a 10-12 record and their highest finish in the NorPac Tournament. Junior Julia Hernandez/Norfolk (Maury) was named to the All-Tournament team following the conclusion of the championship game for her efforts throughout the course of competition.
   
The Lancers dominated every aspect of the game, out-shooting the Tigers a staggering 23-8, while having a 10-4 advantage in corners. Senior goalkeeper Erin West/Stafford (North Stafford) ended her final game of her career with no saves, while the Pacific keeper made six.
   
Longwood put the pressure on early by keeping Pacific bunkered in their half of the field, but were unable to get on the board until the 19th minute. Junior Kelsey Turner/Virginia Beach (Tallwood) gave the Lancers the 1-0 lead after a pass she was trying to make was deflected back to her giving her an open opportunity at goal. Turner fired a rocket of a shot into the cage from the top of the circle. Turner, along with freshman Olga Knop/Berlin, Germany (Wener von Siemens Gymnasium) both ended the game with a defensive save.
   
Senior captain Carla Binnewies/Hamburg, Germany (Carl von Ossietzkly Gymnasium) but the team up 2-0 at the 40:36 mark. Binnewies found the back of the cage after a corner taken by sophomore Lauren Van de Kamp/Midlothian (Trinity Episcopal) was rebounded in the circle and fell to Binnewies stick. Binnewies led the team and game in shots taken with a tournament high 11.
   
The Lancers would score eight minutes later courtesy of Hernandez. Hernandez goal was set up by sophomore Andrea Bastiannse/Granby, Conn. (Granby Memorial), who took the ball to the baseline before passing across the circle to Hernandez. Hernandez collected the pass at the top-center of the circle and fired a cannon past the Pacific keeper.
   
Pacific would earn one goal back to cut the Lancers lead to 3-1 in the 58th minute, but would not be able to muster enough offense to score again.
  
“I am so proud of our team,” head coach Iain Byers said. “They deserve everything they got not only this tournament but this season. They worked so hard to improve their games and help build a foundation that will help our program in the long run. I just want to thank them for all their hard work and dedication this season.”