Field Hockey Drops Season Finale to Columbia 1-0
Oct 30 | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, NJ – The Rutgers University field hockey team closed out its 2005 season with a 1-0 loss to the Columbia Lions on Sunday, Oct. 30, at the RU Stadium Complex.
The Scarlet Knights and Columbia played the first 17 minutes without many scoring chances, but in the 18th minute, the Lions were able to put a score on the board.
Off of a centering pass from Kim Branich, Columbia midfielder Courtney Robinson slapped a shot past RU goalie sophomore Rosalyn Wentko (Dallas, PA). The goal turned out to be the only one of the afternoon for either team and was subsequently the game-winner.
Freshman midfielder Amy Lewis (Hainesport, NJ) and senior back Kara Spector (Easton, MD) provided the best scoring chances of the afternoon for RU. Spector tallied a shot off of a corner and Lewis had two scoring opportunities in the second half, but all three attempts were snuffed out by Columbia goalie Gena Miller, who was perfect on the afternoon with five saves.
Rutgers head coach Liz Tchou explained that it was anyone’s game and Columbia was able to capitalize on an early scoring opportunity.
“Today was a game of who would come out sharper,” said Tchou. “[Columbia] was able to score first and they were able to put the pressure on us.
“The seniors know how much they have improved individually and they know how much the team has improved because of them…they should be proud.”
The Scarlet Knights were out-shot 8-6 by the Lions but edged Columbia on penalty corners, 5-4.
The Scarlet Knights closed out their 2005 season with a loss and finished 7-12 overall. With four graduating seniors, RU will be led by a strong group of young players next season, most notably: Lewis, sophomore Marielle Zibman (Princeton Junction, NJ), sophomore Catherine Badolato (Berlin, NJ), freshman Caitlin Browne (Middletown, NJ), sophomore Corinne Bach (Moorestown, NJ) and sophomore Jocelyn Mattina (Bethlehem, PA).
