On Saturday afternoon, the Longwood Lancers field hockey team took down the Colonial Athletic Association's Towson University 2-0. Saturday's game was played during Hurricane Irene's rain and wind gusts, but it didn't seem to bother the Lancers. Longwood scored a goal in each period, the first coming from senior forward Amanda Babineau in the 15thminute with an assist from senior forward Alison Akers. Junior midfielder Brittany Diaz scored the second goal right before the end of the game.
The Lancers jumped out to the early 1-0 lead that they held onto strongly as the Lady Tigers did not get a shot on goal in the last 20 minutes of the half. Longwood outshot Towson 6-4 in the first period. The Lady Tigers did have three penalty corners, while the Lancers had none. Defense was a common theme for the Lancers throughout the game. The aggressive play of the Lancers gave the Lady Tigers more penalty corners in the second period 5-4. It did not matter as Longwood's defense held strong and was led by junior goalkeeper Kaye Goulding with four saves. This all added to the Lancers completing their first shut out of the season. Longwood continued to outshoot Towson on goal in the second period 5-3.
The Lancers played a second consecutive home game on Sunday, Aug. 28 against Lock Haven. Longwood lost the decision 2-1. The Eagles grabbed a 2-0 lead early on after goals in the first six minutes. Nicole Weaknecht and Kelsie Minnich were the Eagles players who scored. The Lancers had 15 shot attempts and penalty corners in the first half, but were unable to score. In the second half, Longwood senior Rachel Akers scored after recovering a penalty corner rebound. It was Akers' first career goal for the Lancers. Longwood had several shots sail wide during the final minutes.
Longwood's field hockey team is back in action on Saturday, Sept. 3, when it faces Sacred Heart University at 2 p.m. The game will be held on the campus of Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. The Lancers record is 1-1.
