University of Louisville
UConn
Connecticut Edges Field Hockey 1-0 in OT
November 04, 2005 | Field Hockey
Nov. 4, 2005
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - - Connecticut's Rebecca Helwig scored on a penalty corner with 11:49 remaining in overtime to as the Huskies edged the University of Louisville field hockey team 1-0 Friday night in the semifinals of the BIG EAST Field Hockey Championship.
"I am so proud to be coaching this team because of the way they executed and defended tonight," said U of L head coach Pam Bustin. "They got out there and fought and represented Louisville with great pride and determination. We're learning how to become BIG EAST champions and it's not easy."
The teams battled through a scoreless first half as the Cardinals began the game on the attack, drawing two penalty corners in the opening minutes of the game. The Huskies fought back and ended the first half with a 6-3 edge in shots and an 8-4 penalty corner advantage.
The second half brought more of the same with much of the half being played in the midfield. The Cardinal defense was withstood eight more UConn penalty corners to maintain the shutout in regulation.
With the game still scoreless at the end of regulation, the teams entered a seven aside sudden-victory overtime. Three minutes into the extra period, the Huskies drew a penalty corner and Helwig rifled a shot into the left side of the cage with assists from Laura Puddle and Lizzy Peijs at the 73:19 mark.
Connecticut goalkeeper Melissa Bostwick posted seven saves in the win. The Huskies outshot the Cards 14-4 and held a 17-6 penalty corner advantage in the game. UConn (15-5) will face Villanova (15-4) in the BIG EAST Championship game Sunday at noon.
Louisville goalkeeper Marie-Claire Heller had four stops in the game. The Cardinals were shutout for the first time since their season opener against Duke.
U of L (14-7) awaits an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. The 16 team field will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 8.
