Field Hockey Tops Alumnae 8-1
August 15, 2009 | Field Hockey
Aug. 15, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - - Junior Nikki Auker scored three goals to lead the University of Louisville field hockey team to an 8-1 win over the alumnae Saturday evening at Trager Stadium in an early preseason tune-up.
"This was a great opportunity for us to see where we are at this point in the season," said U of L head coach Pam Bustin. "This was our most skilled alumnae opponent, unfortunately, they were fewer in numbers this year. Our fitness is where we want it to be at this point. Now we have to get back to work tomorrow on our structural organization."
A talented and spirited group of graduates from the last 30 years gathered to help support the current Cardinals and help them prepare for the 2009 season, from the sidelines and on the field. The teams withstood the stifling hot temperatures at game time and played a tight 2-1 game in the first half before the current Cardinals broke through with six goals in the second half.
Auker scored a pair of goals within a two minute span in the first half to give the Cards a 2-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining in the half.
Lisa Wasser (2003-06) connected on a penalty corner to pull the alumnae within a goal at the 13 minute mark. The score remained 2-1 at the half, with the 2009 Cardinals holding an 11-1 shot advantage and a 3-1 edge in corners.
U of L's offense erupted to score six goals in the second 30 minute period. Senior Kayla May opened the second half scoring early when she converted on a penalty stroke to make it a 3-1 game. Junior Nicole Youman added to the lead when she sent a rebound into the cage and then assisted on junior Tuli Lim's score to increase the lead to 5-1 at the 14:50 mark.
Less than two minutes later, Auker completed her hat trick for a 6-1 score. Freshman Haley Jurich connected on a feed from Youman and junior Rachel Hollenbach tipped a shot in the last six minutes of the game for the 8-1 final.
The Cardinals will continue preseason play with a scrimmage against Indiana on Saturday, August 22 at 4 p.m. at Trager Stadium.
