http://https://youtu.be/jrre1Q11-D0
Video by: Kyle Levasseur
Written by: Josh Silverman
When the Quinnipiac Field Hockey team (6-12, 3-4 BIG EAST) took the field on Friday, the game was about sending off a group of seniors, who have meant more to the program than perhaps any other class.
Across the field from head coach Becca Main’s squad was the Uconn Huskies (16-0, 7-0 BIG EAST). The Huskies entered the game ranked first in the nation and had only surrendered one goal in conference play across their first six games.
The Bobcats needed a win and a Temple (4-13, 0-7 BIG EAST) victory over Liberty (7-9, 5-2 BIG EAST) to clinch the last spot in the Big East Tournament. The odds of both happening were slim to none, shifting the focus of the game to the seniors having a chance to play such an elite opponent.
“Whenever you have the opportunity to play the number one team in the country, in any sport, it’s exciting,” Main said. “It’s something you get up for. What I’m pleased with is how we responded to that. When you play Uconn you can lose 12-0 which we’ve seen happen, or you can get this side of it which is the complete other side of the spectrum.”
Uconn got out to an early one-goal lead against Quinnipiac just over eight minutes into the first half. Yet, the Bobcats answered back later in the frame. Senior Lauren Belskie notched the only goal of the day for Quinnipiac, tying her with fellow senior Dayna Barlow, in the team lead for goals (7). Quinnipiac was unable to get on the board again while Uconn scored two more times. Despite the loss, the game still came out as a moral victory for Quinnipiac.
“I’m really proud of us. We came a really long way,” Belskie said. “We came into this game optimistic and I think it came out better than we even expected with one goal and only letting three in. I’m very proud of us and sad to leave.”
On top of the goal, Quinnipiac’s own goalie, sophomore Livy Golini, had a phenomenal game. Though she posted a very impressive stat line, including eight saves on 11 shots, that doesn’t even do her performance justice.
She was constantly swarmed by the Uconn attack and stood tall, often saving shots that drew thunderous applaud from the crowd. Golini’s coach has been proud of her performances all season.
“She really showed up this year,” Main said.” She’s gotten better and better and wants more and more.”
“They’ve gone through a lot in four years,” Main said. “They’ve seen almost 15 or 20 teammates leave. They’ve seen the change in the level, they’ve seen us go Big East, they’ve seen us really hang well in the Big East our first two years (in the conference).”
With the season over, Quinnipiac can now reflect on what these seniors have meant for the program, something Main was able to capture after the game.
“They have a legacy that is a little bit different than what you would see on paper with MAAC championships or NEC championships,” Main said. “They have a legacy of putting us in a whole new realm.
Quinnipiac might be behind the eight ball at the start of next season after graduating such a dominant class, but should be setup well for the long run.
“I’ve very hopeful and very pleased about the future,” Main said.
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