COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – The Haverford College field hockey team was bested by the No. 6 ranked Ursinus Bears on Wednesday night, falling 2-0 despite a flurry of second half corners and offensive chances. Haverford falls to 5-6 on the season and 1-2 in Centennial Conference play.
The first half was characterized by a wealth of offensive chances for the host Bears, but only one goal, a goal scored off a penalty corner from Amber Steigerwalt. Steigerwalt, who took an assist from Brooke Overly in the circle, was able to hammer one home past Haverford goalkeeper Danielle Rette just before the end of the first half of play.
Earlier in the half, Rette made a heroic stop of a penalty stroke goal that was awarded in the 21st minute after a collison in front of the goalmouth. The save was one of six for the Fords in the half. Natalie Leslie posted her tenth defensive save of the season on a penalty corner from Ursinus in the first period of action in another highlight reel play.
At the halftime break, Haverford trailed 19-0 in shots and 11-0 in corners but was closer on the scoreboard, just down by the one goal thanks to a stout defensive effort.
In the second half, Ursinus was awarded a second penalty stroke, this time in the 37th minute. The Bears Bridget Sherry converted to extend the score to 2-0. Haverford had a chance to get on the scoreboard and perhaps tie the contest with a bevy of action in the final 15 minutes of the contest. Playing with a renewed energy, the Fords were able to draw six straight penalty corner opportunities.
Leslie had the best shot off a penalty corner, inserting before taking the feed low towards the left post of the cage. Her attempt hit off the post, allowing Ursinus to escape the offensive pressure from the visitors and take a home win on a chilly fall night.
Leslie, Casey Wakai, Stephanie Terrell and Elena Veale each fired shots during the offensive outburst. Colleen Leahy and Aliki Torrence each had five shots for the Bears.
Haverford will next be in action on Saturday, October 8 at noon. Pass back with No. 5 Franklin and Marshall is slated for noon at Swan Field.