SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa.—Facing their second game in less than 24 hours, the Bellarmine University field hockey team rose to the occasion and turned back host Slippery Rock University 3-2 in a non-conference NCAA Division II match at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.
Kelsey O'Bryan notched two goals for the Knights with
Kathryn Schneidtmiller scoring the eventual game-winner.
"After the game last night, we still had an hour and half bus ride to get to the hotel, so it was a difficult day for us," said Bellarmine Coach
Mark Blankenbaker. "Our depth really helped us today. For me, the stars of the game were our players who don't get to start. They came in and really held their own."
Despite Bellarmine being the aggressor, Slippery Rock struck first with a goal by Kailee Krupski with 8:12 remaining in the opening period. The Knights answered just before the end of the half.
Aimee Ilgenfritz fired a shot that was saved by the SRU goalie, but
Kelsey O'Bryan collected the rebound and snuck it in the right side of the cage with 36 seconds left on the clock.
After the break, Bellarmine maintained possession on the offensive end of the field until O'Bryan registered her second goal of the game to give the Knights the lead 9:49 into the second period. Slippery Rock took a time out in an attempt to stop Bellarmine's momentum, but the Knights were still in control when play resumed. Just a minute and 14 seconds after the SRU timeout, Schneidtmiller took a pass from
Dana Hemingway for Bellarmine's final goal and a 3-1 lead.
The Knights held Slippery Rock without a shot until Megan McKay finally broke through with a shot and a score with 8:37 remaining in the game. That would be the final shot the home team would take as Bellarmine hung on for the 3-2 victory.
For the game, the Knights held an 11-4 shot advantage, but SRU was awarded eight penalty corners to Bellarmine's seven.
The Knights improve to 2-0 on the season, while Slippery Rock starts the season 0-1.
Bellarmine returns to action on Friday, when they'll make their home debut by hosting defending ECAC Champion Limestone at 6 p.m. at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.
