Field Hockey Edged by Nazareth

ELMIRA, NY - Despite hard play and an early first half goal, the Soaring Eagles (3-9, 1-4 E8) were edged out by Empire 8 conference rival Nazareth College (11-4, 3-2 E8).

The Purple and Gold began the first half with momentum on their side. Casey Ross ’09 (Whitney Point, NY -- Whitney Point Central) helped the Soaring Eagles gain that momentum and wasted little time in giving the Purple And Gold the lead with an unassisted goal seven minutes into the game.

With solid defense and constant pressure from the Soaring Eagles offense, the Purple and Gold managed to keep Nazareth off the board till late in the first half as the Golden Flyers of Nazareth managed to tie up the game as time expired.

Following the halftime break, the Soaring Eagles looked to regain the momentum they had gained early in the first half. Despite hard play, the pressure from the Golden Flyers proved to be too much as they scored the eventual game winning goal at 42:18 in the half.

On the defensive end, Jalene McCulloch ’10 (Belleville, ONT -- Millbrook School) earned her keep stopping Nazareth, and keeping the Soaring Eagles within striking distance. McCulloch managed a total of 15 saves and faced 27 shots from the Golden Flyers offense.

The Soaring Eagles return to action Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. when they visit SUNY New Paltz.

Nazareth College 2, Elmira College 1
Box Score

Nazareth College (11-4, 3-2 E8)    1      1     --     2
Elmira College (3-9, 1-4 E8)           1      0     --     1 

Scoring: N-Kelly Miranda 35:00, Jodee Magistro (Julia Davis, Marissa Rys) 42:18, E- Casey Ross (6:59)
Shots: N-27, E-13; Saves: N-Kelsey Evans 5, E-Jalene McCulloch 15
Penalty corners: N-21, E-9