Cooper’s First Career Goal Lifts Cards Past Hoosiers 2-1

Friday, August 24

Bloomington, IN

3:00 p.m.

University of Louisville

(1-0)

Indiana

(0-1)

LOU

Indiana

Bethany Russ looks to pass during the annual Alumni Game at Trager Stadium on Saturday, August 18, 2018.

Cooper’s First Career Goal Lifts Cards Past Hoosiers 2-1

August 24, 2018 | Field Hockey

Box Score

The Cards converted on a penalty corner as time ran out to win their season opener.

By: Lori Korte

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Freshman Erica Cooper delivered her first career goal as time expired to lift the eighth-ranked University of Louisville field hockey team to a 2-1 win over Indiana in both teams' season opener Friday afternoon at the IU Field Hockey Complex.

With the score tied at 1-1 throughout most of the contest, the Cardinals earned a penalty corner as time ran out. Sophomore Bethany Russ delivered the initial shot which was turned back by IU goalkeeper Shelby Querry, but Cooper was there to collect the rebound and lifted a shot into the cage to secure the victory for Louisville.

"In the end it was a gritty win, but we have much to learn and improve on," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "Indiana is a much improved team and they tested us. They forced us to slow it down, and they were fast and physical when they came up with the ball. We are still trying to find the right combinations, and we must be willing to work through the tougher challenges, be able to be disciplined to play our identity and not try to be individual."

The game remained scoreless through the first 23 minutes of play before the Cards broke through on their third penalty corner of the game. Senior Maria Gomez got the corner started and senior Katie Walsh provided the stop for Russ who gave Louisville a 1-0 lead at the 23:18 mark.

The Hoosiers (0-1) quickly answered four minutes later when a breakaway resulted in a goal by Claire Woods off of a feed by Hailey Couch, evening the score with 7:24 remaining in the first half.

The Cards and Hoosiers entered the break tied at 1-1 after Louisville outshot Indiana 9-3 and held a 4-2 edge in corners.

In the second half, Indiana increased its offensive pressure, delivering five shots, three on goal, and earning three corners in the first 25 minutes. Despite the push by the Hoosiers, the Cardinals' defense stood strong with senior Ayeisha McFerran picking up three crucial saves.

With the score still knotted at 1-1, the Cardinals regained momentum in the closing minutes of regulation. After two Russ shots were turned away, sophomore Mercedes Pastor earned a corner for Louisville with 45 seconds remaining, but the staunch Hoosiers defense held them at bay. The Cards were awarded a final corner to be played out as time expired to set up Cooper's game winner.

McFerran (1-0) and Indiana's Querry each collected four saves in the game. Louisville held a 16-8 advantage in shots, while both teams had five corners apiece.

Louisville (1-0) will return to action Sunday when No. 24 Ohio State visits Trager Stadium for the Cardinals' home opener at 1 p.m. Admission is free.