Sept. 6, 2008

Box Score

Kent, OH - In its best performance of the young 2008 season, the Pacific field hockey squad were denied overtime by a final minute goal in a 2-1 loss to Lock Haven on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The loss dropped Pacific to 0-3 overall, while Lock Haven moved to 2-1.

Playing their second game in as many days, the Tigers showed little to no signs of fatigue on the field. Pacific's defense held Lock Haven to just one goal in the first period, thanks in large part to the play of junior Brianna Cummins (Fallbrook, Calif.) and sophomore goalkeeper, Christina Niccum (Simi Valley, Calif.). 18:48 into the first half, Cummins nabbed down her second defensive save of the weekend to keep the game scoreless. Niccum, meanwhile, recorded four saves in the period to keep the Tigers in striking distance.

Despite the effort of Cummins and Niccum, Lock Haven managed to take a 1-0 with 14:22 remaining in the half by converting a penalty corner. Blair Wynne scored the Bald Eagles' goal on a direct corner shot, giving assists to Alana Lewis and Suzann Hobart.

The Tigers' defensive intensity in the first half, paid dividends in the second half as the Tigers pulled even at 1-1 via junior Kim Keyawa (Chico, Calif.) connecting on her first goal of the season. Keyawa took a pass from freshman Robin Nelson (Morgan Hill, Calif.) on the right side of the goal and ripped a shot into the back of the net to tie the game at 1-1 with 23:02 remaining.

The contest remained tied until the final minute of play as the Tigers continued to play stellar defense, fending off nine Lock Haven shots, including five more saves by Niccum.

Unfortunately with 35 seconds remaining, Lock Haven converted a late penalty corner into a goal as Amy Hordendorf took a pass from Wynne on the right side and notched the game-winning goal.

With such little time remaining, the Tigers refused to lay down their sticks and earned a penalty corner of their own as time expired.  Since a game cannot end until a penalty corner is complete, the Tigers had one final opportunity to tie the game.  Pacific got the ball in front of the goal, however Lock Haven goalkeeper sent the ball out of bounds.  Typically that would result in another penalty corner, but the official ruled that the action was unintentional and consequently ended the contest.

The Tigers were out shot 20-6 as Lock Haven held a 10-3 edge in each half. Lock Haven also finished with a 12-3 advantage in penalty corners over Pacific.

Pacific concludes its three-game road trip against Robert Morris in a neutral site contest on Monday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. (ET) at Kent State.