Coming off a 4-14 record for the 2023 season, Longwood Lancers Field Hockey had a lot to prove heading into 2024. They began their season at The G.A.M.E., and edged out an exciting victory during the last seconds of regulation versus the Davidson Wildcats.
In the team’s first game of the year, they looked like a well-connected group of players who are constantly communicating with one another and giving their best effort on the field at all times. Zoe Tierney was an impactful defender throughout the game, and after scoring a goal in the first half, briefly left in the beginning of the second due to an injury scare.
On top of her consistent defense, Tierney scored both goals in the match for the Lancers, including a game winning penalty-stroke with 8.1 seconds left in regulation. In the final minutes of the game, both teams had many opportunities to score off various corner shots as a result of fouls.
Longwood’s goalie Santia McLaughlin also had an impressive outing recording six saves in total, three of which came in the last quarter alone. She was a big factor in Longwood’s defense and showed why her teammates depend on her presence in the goal.
“I say it a lot in the locker room, there’s a difference between playing fast and playing frantic, playing fast but simple hockey will get you through to the end”, said Tierney.
After the game, Head Coach Miranda Rigg spoke to The Rotunda about the communication in her team. “I think Ireland McDermott, our center back, she’s pretty talkative and communicative. Zoe Tierney as well helped organize the midfield and then Santia in goal organizes the defense too”.
Unfortunately, the Lancers were not able to carry the momentum from their victory in the previous game to their match against American University, losing 4-0. The Patriots were able to dominate the shot chart, putting eight shots on goal and leading to Longwood’s first defeat of the season.
However, the Lancers were able to bounce back the next game, beating Queens University by a sound 3-1. Forward Luna Prieri led the charge on offense by scoring all of Longwood’s goals and notching a hat trick in the process.“I’m just happy we could win. Last game was a difficult moment but I’m lucky I got to score today and we got the win,” said Prieri.
Her immense pressure on offense combined with McDermott’s presence on the back line overwhelmed the Royals in the first half, dominating most of the possession time. Although the Royals were able to get up many more shots in the second half, freshman goalie Sophie Mooldijk came away with seven saves on the night, five of which coming in the second half. She had a very impressive save near the end of the fourth quarter and had many more throughout the game to keep Longwood’s momentum intact all night.
Next, against the University of Richmond, the Lancers lost 2-1 after a gut-wrenching goal from the Spiders 30 seconds into overtime. Longwood’s only goal was courtesy of Prieri, and the game also saw a standout performance from Mooldijk.
However, despite the Richmond heartbreak and with MAC play rapidly approaching, the Lancers have likely set themselves up for a successful conference campaign.
Longwood Field Hockey practices ahead of matchup against Davidson, Sept. 6
