The Ohio State field hockey team huddles during the Buckeyes’ 1-0 loss to Michigan on Sept. 22, 2017. Credit: Colin Hass-Hill | Former Sports Editor
One minute into the final quarter of a tied game, the Louisville field hockey team threatened to score on Ohio State with a penalty corner.
The Cardinals passed the ball twice before junior back Meghan Schneider took a shot toward the lower right corner of the goal that was redirected by junior forward Madison Walsh for the deciding goal.
No. 8 Louisville (6-0) overcame a strong first half by No. 12 Ohio State (4-2) during Sunday’s game to claim a 2-1 victory at Buckeye Varsity field.
The Cardinals didn’t allow the Buckeyes to get a shot or penalty corner in the final two quarters. Offensively, the Cardinals also went from four shots in the first half to six shots in the second.
“I thought our defensive intensity was the best it has been in that first half. Second half, we just switched off in a few areas,” Ohio State head coach Jarred Martin said.
Ohio State’s lone goal came off a penalty stroke in the second quarter. After a lengthy penalty review by the referees, it was determined that Louisville fouled Ohio State senior midfielder Esther Clotet Alsina in the act of shooting. Buckeye freshman midfielder Mackenzie Allessie took the free shot from seven yards out and put it past the extended foot of Louisville redshirt freshman goalkeeper Sam Minrath.
“It was just another day at practice where you practice, practice, practice and make them,” Allessie said. “So just one more stroke to make, and I knew the team had my back. So just staying calm and collected.”
Louisville’s first goal came with about a minute left in the third quarter, also off a penalty corner. Senior forward Bethany Russ received the setup from Schneider and tucked it away into the lower right corner.
With 4:50 left in the game, Martin pulled Ohio State’s goalkeeper to get another offensive player on the field. The Buckeyes were able to get the ball pushed forward into a dangerous offensive position, but as was the case the whole second half, they weren’t able to convert.
The nonconference opponents have faced off every year since the 2005 season. The previous two games between Ohio State and Louisville were decided in overtime; Ohio State won both matches. The victory puts Louisville at 11-7 all time against the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes kick off Big Ten play next Friday against No. 13 Northwestern (5-2), which is on a three-game winning streak.
“I’m looking forward to just playing an in-league game and seeing what we can bring to prepare us for the Big Ten tournament. So just take it game-by-game,” said Allessie.
