ST. CHARLES, Mo.—The Bellarmine Knights field hockey dropped a 2-0 decision to the host LIndenwood Lions in today's regular season finale for both schools at Hunter Stadium.
The loss not only snapped a five-game winning streak for the Knights, it dashed their hopes of winning the regular season crown in the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Bellarmine, which fell to 12-6, has to settle for a second place tie with Limestone in the final ECAC regular season standings with a league record of 5-3.
Today's game was tightly contested, with Bellarmine actually owning a 14-12 shot advantage and a 10-2 edge in penalty corners. However, Lindenwood goalie Skylar Starbeck came up with eight saves and Lions defender Nicole Johnston added a defensive save to help preserve the victory for the home team.
After going into halftime in a scoreless tie, the Lions wasted no time cranking up their offense in the second period scoring just 24 seconds into the frame. Lindenwood's Graycen Dave fired off a shot that Bellarmine goalie deflected, but Tara Robben was there for the rebound and goal for the Lions.
After Megan Pranger added another goal for LIndenwood, Bellarmine still had chances, but shots by Bellarmine's
Elle Lichte and
Kelsey O'Bryan in the game's final 10 minutes were repelled by Starbeck as Lindenwood (14-3, 7-1 ECAC) held on for the victory.
"In most games that have even talent, the little things make the difference," said Bellarmine Coach
Mark Blankenbaker. "Lindenwood made the plays today."
"Coming out of halftime," Blankenbaker added, "I thought we were in good shape. They (Lindenwood) did a good job of getting in the circle and taking the shot and getting the put-back. That play shifted the game for a few minutes. We made the mental adjustment and played well in the second half; we simply could not get the ball past the keeper on the attack end and didn't clear the ball of pads in our circle."
The ECAC postseason tournament will be held Nov. 4 and 6 at Newberry (South Carolina) College. The tournament bracket has not yet been released.
Blankenbaker said he and the Knights are looking forward to competing at the tournament. "I know our team will show up ready to play," he said.
BOX SCORE (HTM)
