ST. CHARLES, Mo.—It was another frustrating finish for the Bellarmine field hockey team as the host Lindenwood Lions pulled out a 3-1 victory despite the Knights owning a 13-7 shot advantage.
Tonight's game at Lindenwood's Hunter Stadium marked the fourth straight contest that Bellarmine has either outshot our equaled its opponent's shot production only to come out on the short end of the scoreboard.
Ten of Bellarmine's 13 shots were on target tonight, but Lindenwood goalie Mackenzie Litterst came up with nine saves to help repel the Knights' attack.
Bellarmine also owned a 10-5 advantage in penalty corners, but the Knights converted just one while Lindenwood made good on two of its attempts.
The Lions grabbed the lead less than two minutes into the game when Mary Clare Banholzer took a shot that Bellarmine goalie
Heather Gregory saved. However, Lindenwood's Megan Martin was there to collect the rebound and deposit it in the cage just 107 seconds into the contest.
The remainder of the first period belonged to Bellarmine with four shots and five penalty corners, but Lindenwood's bend-but-don't-break defense held up to keep the Knights off the scoreboard.
The second quarter was played mostly outside the circles with only four total shots and two penalty corners being taken. Again, the Knights enjoyed a 3-1 shot advantage, but after 30 minutes of play, Bellarmine had nothing to show for its 10 shots and six corners.
Lindenwood again showed offensive efficiency in the third quarter, gaining an early penalty corner and scoring on that chance. Bellarmine's frustrations continued, coming up empty on two corners and three shots.
The Knights finally broke through early in the fourth period when
Lindsay Reynolds inserted a penalty corner, then slid into position in front of the goal and knocked home a pass from
Cassidy Sweeney.
Down 2-1 late in the game, Bellarmine opted to pull the goalie to try and push the offensive action. But it was Lindenwood that found its offensive circle and drew a penalty corner. The Lions' Pauline Terwindt took advantage of Bellarmine not having a goalie in frame and lofted a shot over the Knights defenders for the final goal of the game.
Bellarmine sees its season record drop to 8-8 while Lindenwood improves to 10-6.
The good news for the Knights is they don't have to wait long for a chance at redemption. Lindenwood will back in Louisville at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium for a Nov. 8 meeting with Bellarmine as the Knights host the Division II Independent Tournament, a three-team, round robin tourney with Frostburg State joining the Knights and Lions.
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