On Friday, Sept. 5, the Sacred Heart University field hockey team scored a walk off goal in overtime against Georgetown University to improve their season record to 1-2.
Coach Sydney Van Der Merwe has been the head coach for the team since 2016. When Georgetown scored with less than 15 minutes left in the game to take a 2-1 lead, Van Der Merwe motivated his players to not give up.
“Keep your heads up, keep fighting, keep pushing, keep going,” said Van Der Merwe.
First-year goalie Ruby Butler had two saves in overtime to keep the Pioneers alive.
“There was never a doubt that Ruby wouldn’t let up a goal,” said senior captain and forward Ines Braithwaite.
Braithwaite had an assist on a crucial play, when junior Blaire Sparks had her second score of the day, which tied the game with five seconds left in regulation.
Senior captain Jaden Ray also shouts out Butler for her performance.
“Having the saves from Ruby, we knew everyone was doing their jobs,” said Ray.
After the saves from Butler, Van Der Merwe told his players to be patient.
“Let the ball play, keep position, move the ball. If the opportunity comes, then take the opportunity and finish the game,” said Van Der Merwe.
Sophomore Celia Benson, a midfielder for the Pioneers, had the game winning shot in overtime. Benson had the opportunity to score moments before, but was intercepted. Her teammate got the rebound, and immediately gave it right back to Benson to win the game.
“I was given a second chance to put it back in the net,” said Benson.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, the team suffered a tough 3-1 loss against Towson University, lowering their record to 1-3.
The Pioneers are trying to build off of the win against Georgetown, despite the loss to Towson.
“We’re taking the positives out of the game and focusing on what we do best, but also not neglecting the stuff we need to work on,” said Braithwaite. “We need energy in practice.”
Van Der Mwe’s message to his players this week is clear. “Learn from our mistakes, learn how to execute,” said Van Der Merwe.
“What happened against Towson is behind us and we have to learn how to work together as a unit.”
Benson has no doubt that the team can turn things around the rest of the season.
“The vibes have felt different, there’s a collective desire to win,” said Benson. “I don’t think our record this far in the season is holding us down or deterring us.”
Braithwaite believes that having these issues earlier in the season is better so that the team can work on their issues sooner than later.
She also feels that the team’s camaraderie and closeness with each other will help them overcome the rough start.
“We trust each other, on and off the field, so we have really good relationships and play well together,” said Braithwaite.
Many of the players are also fiercely committed to winning a championship this season.
“This season is my senior season, and I’m not leaving without another ring. If we’re all really hungry, it could lead to positives,” said Ray.
Van Der Merwe has confidence that the team will improve from this start.
“They push themselves at practices and on gameday they push themselves to win,” said Van Der Merwe. “They are in a good place going forward.”
The Pioneers defeated the University of New Haven Chargers on Friday, Sept. 12, in an away matchup.
On Friday, Sept. 19, the Pioneers travel to University of California, Davis for a 7:30 p.m. matchup.
Athletic Communications contributed to this article.
