By Sam Draut–
Eighth-ranked Louisville field hockey opened its final home stand of the season with a 3-0 victory over Central Michigan on Sunday afternoon at Trager Stadium.
After being unable to net any scoring opportunities in the first half, the Cardinals scored three times in the final thirty minutes of play.
“It took awhile to get going,” head coach Justine Sowry said. “We worked hard on some elements of our identity.”
Freshman Tess Hannah opened the scoring off an assist from Elisa Garcia on a penalty corner shot five minutes into the second half.
Eight minutes later, sophomore Nicole Woods scored off another penalty corner, this time, assisted by Hannah.
The final goal came from junior Erin McCrudden late in the second half. Even after scoring three goals, head coach Justine Sowry said the offense missed a few more opportunities throughout the game.
“Unfortunately we were not getting the results on the scoreboard as quickly as I would have liked,” Sowry said. “We had tons and tons of opportunities today.”
While playing a majority of the game on Central Michigan’s side of the field, Louisville had 21 total penalty corners and 14 shots on goal. The Cardinals totaled 13 shots in each half. Sowry commended the back line of Central Michigan’s defense that held firm for a majority of the game.
On the defensive end, the Cardinals held Central Michigan relatively quiet throughout the entire contest. The Chippewas didn’t have a penalty corner until late in the second half and only had two shots on goal.
Louisville goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran notched her eighth shutout of the year.
“She has a great defensive unit in front of her,” Sowry said. “Collectively as a defensive unit I have been very happy.”
The 11-5 Cardinals wrap up their regular season this weekend with games against Michigan State and Rutgers.
“We want to continue to focus on our game and continue to get better day by day,” Sowry said.
