By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
The field hockey team battled until the final whistle but came up short, falling 2-1 to Pace University at Jess Dow Field on Oct. 28.
Despite outshooting the Setters 21-9 and dominating corners 16-4, the Owls could not convert on their chances.
Their aggressive offensive effort kept Pace on its heels for much of the game, but many missed opportunities around the cage meant the Owls fell short.
“The last two games have been this type of game for us,” Head Coach Kelley Frassinelli said. “We just need to capitalize on the corners and the opportunities that we are creating.”
Neither side could break through in the first half, as both teams showed solid defensive play that kept the game scoreless.
The Setters were finally able to break free and score in the third quarter. They carried that momentum into the fourth, doubling their lead to 2-0.
The Owls were able to add a goal late in the fourth quarter. Forward Keana Criscuolo, a sophomore, got her second goal of the season when forward Isabella Fölster, a freshman, sent a pass across the circle that Criscuolo buried to cut the deficit to 2-1, giving the Owls life down the stretch.
“I was in the right spot at the right time,” Criscuolo said. “We’re never completely out of it.”
The university continued to pressure Pace in the closing minutes, earning two penalty corners — one of which came with no time left on the clock that could have tied the game.
Goalkeeper Rachel Miller, a junior, finished with five saves in 39 minutes before goalkeeper Lyla O’Connor, a freshman, played the final 20.
The backline, led by defender McKenzie Fairfax, a senior, and defender Sofia Frassinelli, a sophomore, held strong to prevent further damage.
Midfielder Taylor Leckey, a senior, emphasized the need for stronger execution despite the team’ s offensive pressure.
“I think it was a strong game by us,” Leckey said. “We just need to play together throughout the whole game, all four quarters, and finish strong. We’re dominating in shots and corners; we just need to finish in the cage.”
Even in defeat, the Owls’ performance reflected the team’s continued growth and resilience as they near the end of their season.
The effort and statistical dominance showed signs that the group remains competitive against the rest of the teams in the NE10.
“We know we can compete with anyone,” Frassinelli said. “It’s just about putting all the pieces together and finishing the chances we create. That’s the next step for us.”
