UML field hockey team stays hot, tops Bucknell
LOWELL >> Madison Leeper left it all out on the field.
The sophomore sharpshooter netted the game-winning goal as the 18th-ranked Umass Lowell field hockey team bumped off Bucknell, 3-2, on Senior Day on Sunday at Wicked Blue Field.
After a somewhat listless first half, UML (9-2, 2-0 AE) came out firing in an explosive third quarter with a three-goal outburst. Leeper potted the eventual game-winner with 5:23 left in the quarter.
“At first, we were a little flat,” said Leeper, who has a teamhigh eight goals and 17 points in 11 games. “We got together and decided to play our game. Simple basics. Receive, pass and move. That’s what we worked on in the second half, and that’s what got us here.”
The River Hawks improved to 7-0 at home and extended their win streak to six straight, breaking their Division I program.
“I call this a character-building win,” said UML coach Shannon Leblanc. “I thought Bucknell came in and did a fantastic job scouting us. They knew our strengths. I thought overall though we played with good tempo. We played with confidence. I’d like more outcomes for all the offense that we created, but we got the three that mattered. That’s what’s most important.”
Locked in a scoreless first quarter, senior Alissia de Vries gave the River Hawks the lead off some crisp passing from Karli Pemrod and Aurise Tattrie, but Bucknell quickly battled back. Zoe Carlson-pietraszek tallied the equalizer for the Bisons with 2:28 left in the half.
The River Hawks maintained some excellent offensive pressure in the waning moments of the half. Freshman Christina Wagner powered her way to the right of the goal, lofting a shot toward a wide-open net, only to be thwarted by Bucknell’s Kira Leclercq, with a suave sweeping defensive play with 1:20 left in the half, keeping things deadlocked at 1-1.
Sophomore midfielder Meike Vischer lifted a high shot the evaded Bucknell netminder Sarah Althouse, giving UML its second lead. Leeper leapt into the fray less than five minutes later, scoring the game-shifting tally.
“Madison is one of the best pressing forwards we’ve ever had in this program,” said Leblanc. “She came into sophomore year super prepared. Today, she was just really smart, methodical and analytical. To get that touch on that ball and put it in the goal was just amazing to watch.”
Bucknell refused to go away quietly. Gianna Puorro made it a one-goal game with 3:37 left in regulation. The River Hawks defense managed to pen in the Bisons the rest of the way. Senior goalie Christina Calandra and freshman Marie Oliemans split duty, bolstered by UML’S stellar defensive scheme.
“Once again, our forward line was the best line of defense,” said Leblanc. “I think we’re the best pressing team that I ever had the opportunity to coach. The forwards take their role as defenders very seriously. So when they win those balls high up the field they turn them into outcomes. Its amazing to watch.”
UML is nationally ranked for the first time in Division I program history.
“It feels amazing,” said Leeper. “It hasn’t gotten to our head at all. It’s still a big deal, but we definitely don’t think because we’re No. 18 we can take our foot off the pedal. We still have to keep going. We’ve got to stay here, make it to the end, and get into the NCAA Tournament.”