September  14, 2008

BOX SCORE

FARMVILLE. Va. - The Longwood University field hockey team (3-4) came from behind on Sunday afternoon to defeat Towson (5-1) at the Athletics Complex, 3-2. The Lancers were led by senior Carra Bunner/Virginia Beach (Kempsville), who scored her third goal of the season, while also notching her first assist this year. Longwood returns to action on Saturday, September 20 as they head to Davidson, N.C., to face Davidson at 1 p.m.
   
The game began with neither team having a distinct advantage, with both teams battling for every 50/50 ball. Towson would go up 1-0 in the 12th minute of action, after taking advantage of a ball that hung around the Lancers' goal. The Tiger advantage would climb to 2-0 in the 26th minute, when Katie DeFilippo redirected a pass from Kim Schnell into the cage. The Lancers would get a couple of shots off before the end of the period, but none were able to find the goal.
   
The Lancers came out of the half unfazed by the two goal deficit, taking complete control of the next 35 minutes. Sophomore Lauren Sullivan/Fredericksburg (Stafford) cut the Tiger lead to one in the 56th minute, after taking advantage of a pass from Bunner that left her facing an open net. Five minutes later (61:31) the Lancers would tie the game 2-2, courtesy of an unassisted goal from Bunner.
   
“We came together as a team,” said Bunner. “We came out in the second half and played Longwood Lancer field hockey. We finished the way we have been in practice and were able to carry over what we've learned in practice to the game.”
   
The Lancers comeback would be complete in the 65th minute, as junior Julia Hernandez/Norfolk (Muary) lifted the ball over the diving Towson keeper. The play began with the Lancers intercepting a Tiger pass, which found its way to L. Sullivan who was able to cross the ball in the circle, finding Hernadez at the other end.
   
“I am so proud of the girls, they deserved this win,” said head coach Iain Byers. “They have been working so hard in practice and it's paying off. Their determination and hard work is an example of Longwood field hockey. We look forward to carrying this momentum with us to Davidson and Stanford.”