The Red Hawks have lost two consecutive games after starting the 2016 season with a 6-0 record.
Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics.
Late game heroics saved the day for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), as they scored within two minutes of the start of overtime to earn a 1-0 victory at home against Montclair State.
After the Red Hawks’ defeat to Skidmore College on Sept. 17, the Montclair State’s field hockey team was looking to get back on the winning side after losing for the first time this season. The match was scoreless until the 72nd minute when RPI senior midfielder Claire Cecillo broke the tie to give the Engineers the win.
The Red Hawks out-shot the Engineers 3-2 in the first half and caused damage in the circle through many penalty corners. Montclair State junior forward Kaitlyn Struss had an early shot in the fourth minute, which was saved by Engineers goalkeeper Rachel Kaufman. Junior midfielder Meghan Mollahan had a shot of her own later in the first half, but it was also blocked by Kaufman.
The Engineers took control of the game in the second half. RPI had the majority of the possession and their defense allowed only one shot from the Red Hawks
RPI out-shot Montclair State 8-1 in the second half. The Engineers took one shot in overtime and it was all they needed.
The Red Hawks fall to a 6-2 record, while the Engineers improve to 4-2.
The Red Hawks will travel to play Vassar College. Their next home game will be on Oct. 1 for an New Jersey Athletic Conference matchup against Stockton University.
