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News for 26 September 2019

All the news for Thursday 26 September 2019


Germany prepared for Italian onslaught in must-win matches



Continuing our series of video interviews with the teams that will participate in the upcoming FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers, Germany (FIH World Ranking: 4) face an all-important two-match clash with Italy (WR:17), with a place at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on the line. The crucial matches will take place in Monchengladbach, Germany on 2/3 November 2019, with timings to be confirmed in the coming weeks. Here, trainee doctor and stalwart of the German defence and midfield, Selin Cruz offers her thoughts on the upcoming matches. A transcription of the interview can be found below.   

As the home team, what can the fans expect to see from your team in the FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers?

Selin Oruz: The fans can expect two really nice matches and hopefully we will be the winner in the end. But Italy is a tough opponent and they will be aggressive. They have the one chance to go to the Olympics Games, like us, so I think it will be close. You should come and watch the games.

The FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers will be taking place very soon. How is your team preparing for these hugely important matches?

Selin Oruz: At the moment we are with our clubs playing in the Bundesliga but then we meet for two camps to prepare for the two games in Monchengladbach.

Finally, what would qualifying for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 mean to you and your team?

Selin Oruz: It would mean everything. For every hockey player the Olympic Games are the most important tournament in a career and I think we are very concentrated on winning these games and getting to the Olympic Games.

Each qualifier consists of two back-to-back matches which will be played in the same venue. The winners of these FIH Hockey Olympic qualifiers will qualify for the 2020 Olympic hockey tournaments which will be staged in Japan’s capital city from 25 July to 7 August next year and involve 12 Men’s and 12 Women’s teams.

#Tokyo2020
#RoadToTokyo
#GiftOfHockey

FIH site



Oltmans gets Test-y over team’s inability to finish off rivals

By T. AVINESHWARAN


On the double: Faizal Saari scored both goals in the 2-2 draw against South Korea on Tuesday.

PETALING JAYA: The national team’s lack of killer instinct has left hockey coach Roelant Oltmans scratching his head.

Although his players are potent in their penalty corner executions, their failure to kill off opponents is a cause for concern.

In their second Test match, his 11th ranked team were held by South Korea (16th) 2-2 in Jincheon, South Korea, on Tuesday.

Malaysia scored two quickfire goals in the 11th and 13th minutes thanks to Faizal Saari’s penalty corner conversions, but had to share the spoils when Jang Jong-hyun (25th) and Jun Byung-jin (56th) replied.

In their first Test on Monday, Malaysia won 2-1 with Razie Rahim scoring a brace from penalty corners.

“Our penalty corner conversions are pretty good, I’m happy with that. We’re also creating lots of field goal chances,” said the Dutchman.

“However, in our second match, we lost concentration which cost us the win. The boys need to be in the game for 70 minutes if they want to win matches.”

However, Oltmans said he is pleased with the players’ commitment and hopes the exposure will give them much impetus before their crucial two-leg Olympic playoffs against Britain on Nov 2 and 3.

“The boys need to be punchier in attack, but at the same time concentrate on preserving their lead.

“We will be facing a tough opponent, so every preparation that we do right now is essential.”

Malaysia last played in the Olympics at the 2000 Sydney Games and the side captained by Mirnawan Nawawi finished 11th.

The Star of Malaysia



Wiese Adds Trio of Athletes to Senior USMNT Roster



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Following performances this summer at the FIH Series Finals in Bhubaneswar, India and 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Rutger Wiese has formally announced the addition of Christian DeAngelis (Doylestown, Pa.), Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas) and Daan Wisselink (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) to the senior USMNT on a full-time basis. All three athletes played key roles for USA in both major competitions in 2019.

    "[Christian] DeAngelis and [Alberto] Montilla came through the junior program in early 2017," said Wiese. "They have both worked really hard and fully deserve to be part of this men's program that is clearly on the rise. We are looking forward to having more juniors following their example in the upcoming years. Daan Wisselink is a great and experienced goalkeeper and we are very lucky to have two top-quality goalkeepers on our squad. On behalf of the staff I’d like to congratulate all three men on their accomplishments so far and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them."



DeAngelis, a striker, currently holds the most international caps between all three additions with 32. His first came at the 5 Nations Tournament against Spain on January 31, 2018. The Doylestown, Pa. native first picked up a stick at age 13 when his family traveled to the 2012 National Hockey Festival, where his older sister was competing. Inspired by the “Grow the Game” ancillary event, DeAngelis found his passion and has risen through the ranks of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Development Pipeline over the past few years. He was named to the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team in 2013 and then moved up to the U-18 USMNT from 2014-15. In 2016, he was a member of the U-21 USMNT that toured The Netherlands and participated in the junior series against Canada in Chula Vista, Calif. He was named to the U-19 squad in 2017 and U-20 team in 2018. After being pulled up to the senior USMNT, DeAngelis appeared in the test series against South Korea earlier this year before the FIH Series Finals, where he registered goals in two of USA’s pivotal matches against South Africa and Mexico. Most recently, he was selected to the team that competed in the Pan American Games.

“It has been an honor and privilege to be part of the USMNT,” said DeAngelis. “None of this would have been possible without strong support from my family, coaches and teammates. The USMNT has an amazing group of coaches and players who continually and selflessly work toward a common goal to help improve each other both on and off the field. I look forward to continually improving and to be a productive and valued teammate.”



As the second youngest athlete on the USMNT behind DeAngelis, Montilla was first introduced to field hockey in the first grade. Spending part of his youth in Spain, he played at Club Hockey Pozuelo in Madrid before moving on to represent the nation’s capital city in several national championships. He quickly found a new home with the Bulldogs Field Hockey Club when his family moved to Los Angeles in 2012. In 2016, Montilla was named to the U-21 USMNT for the junior tour to The Netherland and test series against Canada in Chula Vista. In 2017, he toured with the U-19 USMNT in Belgium and The Netherlands in addition to playing in the junior test series against Canada in Moorpark, Calif. More recently, he competed with the U-20 USMNT that traveled to Santiago, Chile to play against the host nation and helped USA finish third at the Junior Nations Invitational Tournament in New Haven, Conn. Montilla earned his first international cap on May 24, 2019 in a test series against Ireland before joining the senior USMNT for a friendly series against South Korea. His performance in both series led to his selection to the FIH Series Finals and Pan American Games. In Peru, Montilla registered four goals, the third most by a USA player in the men’s competition.

“Being named to the senior squad means everything,” commented Montilla. “It is great to know that years of hard work paid off, but this is just the first step. Being on the team carries a huge responsibility to keep growing and improving, especially now that our goal is to compete against the best out there. I believe this squad has a great future and it is an honor to be part of it.”



Wisselink was named to the USMNT roster for many competitions in 2019, including the FIH Series Finals and Pan American Games as a provisional athlete. His first international trip with the USMNT was to Santiago, Chile in late December 2018, in an unofficial sanctioned series against Chile’s National Team and Mendoza Provincial Team. He earned his first international cap on January 29, 2019 in the game against Ireland at the 3 Nations Tournament. Afterward, he joined the USMNT for the test series against Korea and FIH Series Finals. To him, it is a tremendous honor to officially be named to the senior team.

After being asked by his mother, Wisselink tried out field hockey and never looked back. The 28-year-old goalkeeper served as captain for the U-16 Netherlands squad that won gold at the 2006 European Championships and U-18 team that earned bronze at the 2009 European Championships. He also played on the U-21 team in 2012 that won silver. The rest is history as Wisselink currently plays for the THC Hurley club team in Hoofdklasse, the highest men’s division in The Netherlands, in addition to suiting up for the red, white and blue.

USFHA media release



HC Minsk looking to put it up to SV Kampong in EHL KO16



HC Minsk’s Vlad Belousov is well aware of the huge challenge facing his side in their second EHL season but says his side will “never give up” when they take on SV Kampong in Barcelona.

The Belarussian champions are back for their second EHL campaign following last year’s appearance at the Pau Negre when they took on Royal Leopold and WKS Grunwald Poznan.

“Since childhood, I had a dream to get into EHL and play at such a high level,” the 23-year-old Belousov said after of the KO16.

“Now I am here again and am very happy about it. Last year was a good experience against last year’s Belgian champions, Leopold.

“For a long time the score was 0-0 but, at the end of the third period they managed to score and break our defence; the fourth period turned out to be a complete failure. We made an analysis of that match and will try to prevent this from happening again.

“As for the match with WKS Grunwald Poznan, we did not take enough of our chances.”

In preparation for the KO16 this year, Minsk have enjoyed a productive autumn, working in plenty of double sessions and a number of tournaments.

Several members of the side were also part of the Belarus team who played in the FIH Series Finals in Malaysia and then the EuroHockey Challenge II in Cambrai in late July.

In August, the club finished second in the Commonwealth Cup and then won the Prometheus Cup. On September 10, they added the Belarus Super Cup 2-1 against SC Stroitel Brest whom they meet again in their national championship next weekend before jetting out to Spain.


HC Minsk celebrate their first EHL goal against WKS Grunwald Poznan. Pic: ©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics

There, they will meet the 2016 champions who are back at the scene of their EHL triumph. Minsk and Belousov have played plenty of Dutch opposition in the past 12 months to give them a taste of the challenge to come.

“In April, we had a training camp in Holland against Den Bosch, losing to him 1-3. There were also test games with other teams of the second league of Holland and Belgium.

“Before that, in February, we played the European indoor cup against Amsterdam, winning 7-6 in the last seconds. Playing against the Dutch teams is always a great experience; we need more test matches like that as our domestic championship is weak. In this regard, our players want to try their hand against other European clubs

“Undoubtedly SV Kampong is one of the strongest rivals and, in the past, an EHL champion who play a very dynamic game. It will be very hard for us.

“But we are not going to give up. Now we are working on physical fitness and practicing the tactics with which we will play against Kampong.”

Euro Hockey League media release



PREVIEWS: Men's Hockey League



Leaders Surbiton travel to Brooklands MU in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division, as they prepare to represent England in the EuroHockey League the following weekend.

A 4-2 win over Beeston last time out ensured Surbiton stayed top, following a 10-1 victory on the opening day of the season, and they are in no mood to take their foot off the gas this on Sunday.

“Things are going very well. We’ve had the relative luxury of not having too many players coming in or out so we have a very stable squad,” said Matt Jones, Surbiton’s manager.

“Rob Farrington has rejoined us after a year playing in Germany, while Jonty Griffiths comes from Wimbledon and we’ve signed Welsh international goalkeeper Jack Tranter.

“Brooklands is always a long trip, and they’re a dogged and well organised side who have some real threats like Khares and Flanagan. But we will be trying to perfect our new style of play with solid defence and flair up front.

“We also have one eye on preparing for Barcelona, but we will field a full-strength side for Brooklands. It’s important to maintain the squad and get them as used to playing together as possible.”

Elsewhere league newcomers Old Georgians are also boasting a 100% record and will be looking for a third straight win as they entertain Wimbledon.

Holcombe are also yet to drop a point but lie third on goal difference. That could all change though depending on the result of their clash with reigning champions Hampstead & Westminster.

Beeston will look to bounce back from their loss to Surbiton last weekend with a win at home against East Grinstead, while Reading are at home against the University of Exeter with both sides hoping to secure their first win.

This weekend sees the first matches in the new-look EHL structure take place, with Division One North and South getting underway, while several new teams will be in action in the Conferences.

FIXTURES

Men’s Hockey League (Sat, 28 September 2019):

Premier Division
Old Georgians v Wimbledon 18:00

Division One North
Leeds v Univ of Durham 18:00
Sheffield Hallam v Univ of Nottingham 18:30

Division One South
Southgate v Canterbury 17:30

Conference East
London Edwardians v Bromley & Beckenham 12:00

Conference North
Deeside Ramblers v Wakefield 15:00
Timperley v Alderley Edge 17:30

Men’s Hockey League (Sun, 29 September 2019):

Premier Division
Brooklands MU v Surbiton 12:15
Beeston v East Grinstead 14:00
Holcombe v Hampstead & Westminster 14:00
Reading v Univ of Exeter 14:30

Division One North
Cardiff & Met v Olton & West Warwicks 12:30
Univ of Birmingham v City of Peterborough 12:30
Loughborough Students v Bowdon 14:00

Division One South
Team Bath Buccaneers v Sevenoaks 13:00
Teddington v Fareham 13:30
Brighton & Hove v Oxford Hawks 14:00
Havant v Oxted 14:00

Conference East
Spencer v Old Loughtonians 13:30
Bedford v Chichester 14:00
Harleston Magpies v Wapping 14:00
St Albans v Cambridge City 14:00

Conference West
Isca v Khalsa Leamington 12:30
Harborne v Richmond 14:00
Univ of Bristol v Ashmoor 14:00
Cardiff Univ v Cheltenham 14:15
Old Cranleighans v univ of Exeter 14:30

Conference North
Belper v Preston 14:00
Doncaster v Lichfield 14:00
Didsbury Northern v Barford Tigers 14:30

England Hockey Board Media release



PREVIEWS: Investec Women's Hockey League



After beating Holcombe last weekend, Clifton Robinsons head to early leaders Hampstead & Westminster on Saturday in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division.

Despite going behind after just two minutes Clifton Robinsons battled back to win 2-1 over last season’s beaten finalists, and will want to continue their good form this weekend.

“We were pleased at our reaction after going 1-0 down so early. It was a strong defensive performance but we carried an attacking threat too,” said Clifton Robinsons head coach Juliet Rayden.

“But it was only one game, and now we need to repeat what we did well and continue to improve on what we didn't.”

“We will have our strongest squad to date travelling to Hampstead, but we won’t quite be at full strength. We will ensure we have a good defensive structure and look to exploit areas that will cause them problems.”

Elsewhere, reigning champions Surbiton will be looking to maintain their 100% record as they host East Grinstead, while fellow unbeaten side Buckingham have a home match against the University of Birmingham.

Holcombe will be aiming to bounce back from the defeat to Clifton Robinsons as they head to Beeston on Saturday, while top-flight newcomers Loughborough Students will want to build on last weekend’s big 5-1 win at East Grinstead and are at home against Bowdon Hightown.

The new-look Investec Women’s Hockey League sees the first matches take place in the Investec Division One North and South this Saturday, while the Investec Conferences include several teams who are taking their first steps in the expanded National League structure.

FIXTURES

Investec Women’s Hockey League (Sat, 28 September 2019):

Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v Univ of Birmingham 12:00
Surbiton v East Grinstead 12:00
Hampstead & Westminster v Clifton Robinsons 13:30
Beeston v Holcombe 14:00
Loughborough Students v Bowdon Hightown 14:00

Investec Division One North
Gloucester City v Stourport 12:00
Leicester City v Brooklands-Poynton 12:00
Olton & West Warwicks v Swansea 12:00
Ben Rhydding v Belper 13:30
Leeds v Univ of Durham 16:00

Investec Division One South
Trojans v St Albans 12:00
Canterbury v Harleston Magpies 14:00
Wimbledon v Isca 14:30
Reading v Slough 16:30
Sevenoaks v Cambridge City 17:00

Investec Conference East
Horsham v Barnes 12:00
Ipswich v Broxbourne 12:00
Bedford v Wimbledon 13:30
Chelmsford v Bromley & Beckenham 15:15
Southgate v Canterbury 15:30

Investec Conference North
Fylde v Univ of Nottingham 11:30
Beeston v Pendle Forest 12:00
Doncaster v Wakefield 12:00
Sutton Coldfield v Cannock 12:30
Timperley v Alderley Edge 15:30

Investec Conference West
Oxford Hawks v Clifton Robinsons 12:00
Cheltenham v Oxford University 12:30
Surbiton v Basingstoke 14:00
Team Bath Buccaneers v Exe 14:00
Univ of Bristol v Univ of Birmingham 14:30

England Hockey Board Media release



Melaka can follow captain Nama as he knows the name of the game


Old hand: Melaka’s B. Namasivayam has won the Razak Cup twice in 2005 and 2015.

KUALA LUMPUR: Melaka captain B. Namasivayam is no stranger to the Razak Cup.

Having made his debut with his home state at the tender age of 17 in 2003, the former international has lifted the Cup twice in 2005 and 2015.

Playing in his 17th semi-final this year, the 32-year-old forward wants to lead his young charges to a fourth final appearance.

“We don’t have any national players and I’m the only one who is over 30. The rest are made up of young local boys,” said the player who is fondly known as “Nama”.

“So it’s an achievement to have made it this far. As the captain, I want them to go out there and give their best as I don’t expect miracles from them.

“As the oldest, it’s a huge responsibility to motivate these boys. Some of them are not confident enough to show what they are capable of but that’s OK. It’s a learning curve for them.

“I just want them to know that I’m behind them. We’re a team and we stick together.”

Melaka will be up against Kuala Lumpur, who have won the title 16 times, at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.

Kuala Lumpur are the favourites as they boast some national players in Norhizzat Sumantri, Mohd Ramadan Rosli and Mohd Amirol Aideed.

“They are beefed up by national players who were dropped for the South Korean playing tour, so they are pretty strong,” said Namasivayam.

There are some quarters who said that the competition has lost its shine without the national players.

But Namasivayam begs to differ, saying that it gives the young players the opportunity to prove their worth.

“This year’s Razak Cup gives the youngsters a chance to impress and also catch the attention of national selectors.”

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur’s Amirol said they are ready and confident of making the final.

“Our preparation has been good and thankfully, we don’t have any injuries.

“We’re raring to go and we need everyone to be in sync for the match,” said the 24-year-old vice-captain.

The other match-up will be between Johor and Terengganu.

Perak, the reigning champions, bowed out in the group stage.

The Star of Malaysia



Menzieshill 50th anniversary celebrations



There will be a 50th anniversary dinner to celebrate Scottish club Menzieshill which came into existence in 1969. The dinner will be held at Forthill on 26 October 2019 and tickets are available by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The club’s journey from the early days of digging up divots in Lochee Park and then Old Glamis Road before the advent of turf pitches is ‘historical’ in so many ways – not least the fact that a bunch of youngsters from a Dundee housing estate not only became Scotland’s most successful national and international indoor team, they were also highly regarded and respected in Europe as one of the best exponents of the indoor game, often having the honour of providing Scotland’s starting 6.

All stemming from the vision of Armando Mascarenhas who arrived in Dundee to take up the post of the city’s very first Community Officer, then advanced largely by founder members Hector, David (known as Tich) and Billy McPherson.  Billy is still heavily involved with the club as is his son Ross, who still regularly turns out at club level following years of international duty.

Unfortunately Tich is no longer with us but Hector will be travelling from England with a number of former players also making the journey home from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA, and numerous other countries in between, to be present at the celebrations – these include a social get-together on the Friday evening with a Youth Festival at Dawson Park on Saturday afternoon as a precursor to the 50th Anniversary Dinner.

Scottish Hockey Union media release



Hannah Bond showed her versatility for Maryland field hockey in win vs. Princeton

David Suggs


Defender Hannah Bond looks on in Maryland field hockey’s 3-1 win over Penn State on Sept. 20, 2019 at the Field Hockey & Lacrosse Complex. (Gabby Baniqued/The Diamondback)

The clock read 7.1 seconds left in overtime when Maryland field hockey defender Kelee Lepage whipped her penalty corner delivery into the shooting circle, finding fellow defender Bodil Keus’ stick. And with Princeton midfielder Hannah Davey closing in, Keus flirted with a shot before passing the ball off to midfielder Linda Cobano.

Cobano crept deep into the circle before sending the ball to defender Hannah Bond, who stood just outside the face of the goal. The game clock had already ticked down to .6 seconds, and the game appeared destined for another overtime — especially after goalkeeper Grace Baylis denied Bond’s initial shot attempt.

But Baylis’ rebound fell right back to Bond, who fired the ball above the senior shot-stopper and into the back of the net, giving the Terps a resurgent 4-3 victory over the No. 10 Tigers.

Bond’s awareness to get herself in the shooting circle and make a play in such a pressure-filled situation highlights her grittiness and toughness — qualities that have made her an indispensable part of Maryland’s backline over the course of her three seasons in College Park.

“Hannah Bond has been a player that loves the goal line,” coach Missy Meharg said. “It matters to her, and it’s very personal.”

Hailing from Oxted, England, Bond struggled to adjust to the tactical requirements of Meharg’s system when she first arrived at Maryland.

“We get really into the details here. We have different presses, different shapes when we have the ball,” Bond said. “It was a lot more intense than what I’m used to with tactics. There’s just more to learn.”

But Meharg kept faith in the then-freshman, starting her in all 23 games that season. Bond rewarded Meharg by grabbing three assists and notching two defensive saves for the Terps.

And in Bond’s breakout sophomore campaign, her performance in Maryland’s clash with No. 5 UConn in the NCAA quarterfinals embodied her role with the Terps.

With goalkeeper Sarah Holliday beaten in the overtime, Bond barreled her way across the shooting circle, diving to keep Cecile Pieper’s shot from crossing the line. And shortly after, midfielder Madison Maguire scored, sending the Terps to their second consecutive Final Four.

It was a seminal moment for Meharg’s team — one that has empowered Bond’s teammates to get themselves in front of shots ever since, forward Bibi Donraadt noted.

As for Bond, the junior has gotten increasingly involved in the attack, recording 12 shots this season — more than her total from her first two seasons combined. And Meharg has responded accordingly, moving Bond into the midfield at times to provide ample opportunities for her to affect the game.

“She’s servicing her unit all the time,” Meharg said. “She will put herself out there to score goals.”

Bond’s mettlesome playstyle enabled her to get herself in front of the cage with a chance to win the game Tuesday. And ultimately, that relentlessness has made Bond a key cog in multiple facets for Maryland.

“She’ll die to put the ball over the goal line,” Meharg said, “and stop them, [too].”

The Diamondback



No. 10 Field hockey drops three tight matches

By Molly Milligan


Sophomore midfielder Hannah Davey lines up for a shot. Photo Courtesy of Beverly Schaefer / GoPrincetonTigers

Princeton field hockey (3–4), ranked sixth nationally last week, dropped two games at home this past weekend to No. 21 Rutgers (4–3) and No. 4 University of Connecticut (7–1). Both were close decisions, ending in a final score of 2–1.

The Tigers faced the Scarlet Knights on Friday night. Princeton struck first, in just the fourth minute of the game, off a well-executed corner. Junior striker Clara Roth inserted the ball to first-year forward Ophélie Bemelmans, who stopped it perfectly for sophomore midfielder Hannah Davey to drill the shot home.

Rutgers tied the match at one goal apiece just before the half, but the third quarter proved to be a defensive battle as neither team tallied a shot or a corner. The Scarlet Knights would net the game-winner off a corner late in the fourth quarter.

This is the second year in a row that Princeton’s in-state rival has pulled off the upset.

The Tigers would play in another close match against UConn on Sunday afternoon. The Huskies got on the board just before halftime, as Kourtney Kennedy’s shot off a corner ricocheted off a Princeton player and into the goal. The game was evenly matched in the first half; Princeton held a 5–4 shot advantage during that period.

Senior goalie and captain Grace Baylis proved the star of the third quarter, making countless saves to keep her team within one point. Princeton went on the offensive in the fourth, as Roth and junior midfielder MaryKate Neff each came within inches of scoring.

With just 3:13 left in the game, the Tigers secured a corner. Roth inserted the ball to first-year midfielder Sammy Popper, whose shot was deflected and converted by junior midfielder Julianna Tornetta. The score now tied, Princeton forced overtime.

The fifth period came to an end quickly, however, as UConn’s Svea Boker dribbled along the fire side of the circle and fired a shot past Baylis just four minutes in.

Prior to last weekend, Princeton had won three straight games against ranked opponents. The Tigers are now 3–3 overall with all six contests coming against teams ranked in the Top 20.

Following the pair of losses, Princeton was ranked No. 10 in this week’s edition of the Penn Monto/NFCA National Coaches’ Poll. North Carolina (7–0) remains undefeated and owns the top spot. Duke (7–0), UConn, Maryland, and Virginia (7–1) complete the Top Five.

Princeton had to regroup quickly, however, in time to travel south to College Park for their final non-conference match, a meeting with No. 4 Maryland on Tuesday night.

The Tigers and the Terrapins have a long history. Maryland took both meetings last year, earning a 5–4 comeback victory in double overtime during the regular season and a 1–0 overtime decision in the National Semifinal. The Terrapins are 7–1 this season, their only loss coming against No. 2 Duke.

Maryland would improve their record late Tuesday, posting a 4–3 overtime victory against Princeton. The Tigers pounced first with a goal by Popper, and Roth added two more in the third quarter. But the Terrapins came back to tie the score at 3–3 with only four minutes left to play, and then netted the game winner just before the overtime buzzer sounded.

Princeton is now 3–4 on the season. They will be back in action on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Dartmouth to open Ivy League play.

The Daily Princetonian



Unmasking Penn field hockey's mindset when defending penalty corners

The Quakers wear clear masks when their opponents take corners

By Grace Hylinski and Bianca Serbin


Only four defenders are allowed in the field hockey circle at the start of a penalty corner. Credit: Son Nguyen

Penn field hockey’s defense has an odd piece of gear with a very practical purpose.

To help them out when defending penalty corners, the Quakers sport clear masks, which cover their faces almost entirely.

In field hockey, a defensive penalty corner is called when the defense commits a foul in the circle, which spans 16 yards around the goal.

During a penalty corner, four defenders are allowed to stand in the goal behind the goal line, preparing to protect it from the other team’s offense. The offensive team is allowed to place as many players as they want around the circle.

For the offensive side, corners are a very opportune moment to score. One offender inserts the ball from the goal line, and then the rest of the offense tries as hard as it can to overpower the defense and hit the ball into the goal.

As soon as the ball is inserted, the defenders are allowed to run past the goal line to try and prevent the other team from scoring. 

“We stand in different spots based on the scouting done by our coaches for each individual team we play, so we try to read the ball,” junior defender Reese Vogel said.

It is in the defenders’ best interest to run out of the goal as soon as the ball is inserted because if the ball hits them anywhere on their bodies, it would constitute another foul.

“That foul means another corner could be called or even a stroke, which means they could just shoot one-on-one with the goalie,” Vogel said.

Corners can be quite stressful for a defense, especially since only four players and the goalie are faced by as many 10 offensive players.

“It’s pretty intimidating at times. It really gets our adrenaline going. The other team is literally trying to hit the ball through you, and that ball is hard,” Vogel said. “It is agreed upon that this is the shot that has the most potential power behind it.”

The Quakers’ masks, however, have helped to mitigate some of the fear that comes with facing a corner. Before defensive corners, the players put the masks on to protect their faces. For Vogel, taking a pause to put on the mask helps prepare her for the stressful moment to come.

“It’s a little weird, but for me it’s a great moment to center myself and get focused for what is about to come at me,” Vogel said. “Obviously, it’s a safety precaution, but it really makes me feel better about running towards a ball hurdling towards my face.”

When the corner is over, Penn’s defense takes off its masks and gets right back into the game.

“If the defense is successful in stopping one of these corners, we get really excited and have a new sense of confidence,” Vogel said. “It’s a powerful feeling.”

The Daily Pennsylvanian

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