From the beginning of Saturday’s game, Eastern’s field hockey team looked set to defeat FDU-Florham and improve to 2-0 in the MAC Conference. Two goals, one by first-year Kristin Brownett and another by junior Olivia Derr, capitalized on the Eagles’ strong first-half performance. Then the wheels fell off.
FDU-Florham quickly scored two goals in the second half to tie the game. For a time, it seemed that the level of intensity and composure had slipped for the Eagles. A last effort on offense before the half ended awarded the Eagles a penalty stroke. First-year Yvonne Herbster, who had scored four goals already this year, fired a shot to the upper right corner of the goal that was blocked by FDU’s sprawling goalie.
In overtime, the Eagles kept up the pressure and scored on an impressive reverse sweep in front of the goal mouth by sophomore Sarah Garber. The win improved the Eagles record to 7-5 on the season.
After the game, Coach Camrin Azzarano expressed her approval and frustrations, mentioning the way the team’s performance swung so much. Azzarano explained her frustrations as result of the high standards that she and the players try to live up to.
“We have a young team, and they’re trying to find a balance,” Azzarano said.
Game-winning scorer Sarah Garber admitted that the team seemed lazy in the second half but noted how pumped up they were towards the end.
“It just goes to show that we always need to play tough,” Garber said.