Sophomore attacker Katie Keyser (above) notched Stanford's only goal of its American East Championship semifinal against Maine. Despite dominating play, the Cardinal were unable to find the back of the net, and ultimately lost 2-1 in overtime. (HECTOR GARCIA MOLINA/stanfordphoto.com).

Field hockey falls in conference tournament, shifts focus to NCAA tournament

Lorenzo Rosas Staff Writer

By: Lorenzo Rosas | Staff Writer

Thirteenth-ranked Stanford field hockey’s (13-6, 4-2 America East) road to the America East championship ended abruptly in the semifinals due to a crushing 2-1 overtime defeat against the No. 19 Maine Black Bears (19-4, 7-1).

While Stanford remained dominant throughout the game and held the advantage in shots by a tally of 21-4, difficulties executing combined with the excellent play of Maine goalkeepers Emily Corbett and Emma Cochran would ultimately make the difference in the game.

The Cardinal opened the game in complete control, dominating first-half possession and the shot tally, while holding Maine to only one shot in the first 35 minutes. Stanford opened up the scoring in the 26th minute off a penalty corner assisted by junior midfielder Fran Tew and coolly finished by sophomore forward Katie Keyser for her third goal on the season.

Stanford kept the momentum in the second half, once again controlling possession and tempo. However, the Black Bears remained resilient in front of the goal, with substitute junior goalkeeper Emma Cochran recording 4 crucial saves. On the other end, Maine was able to capitalize off an earned penalty corner, off which senior forward Katie Bingle equalized the game.

Regulation ended with the score still tied, sending the game into overtime. In the 75th minute, Maine’s lone shot, coming at the end of a flashy set of skills from junior midfielder Danielle Avani, found the goal past diving senior goalkeeper Dulcie Davies.

The key to Maine’s victory was its brick wall in front of goal. The two goalkeepers that the Black Bears used throughout the game accumulated a total of 11 saves and allowed only 1 goal off 21 shots, 12 of which were shots on goal.

Stanford will play No. 4 Duke (12-6) in the first round of the tournament, as both teams received at-large bids into the draw of 16 teams. The Cardinal defeated the Blue Devils in the second game of the season in a dramatic overtime victory.

Stanford plays Duke at the University of Virginia on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Contact Lorenzo Rosas at enzor9 ‘at’ stanford.edu.