McFerran Helps Irish National Field Hockey Team to Olympic Berth
November 04, 2019 | Field Hockey
Former Cardinal standout Ayeisha McFerran helps the Irish National Team earn its first-ever Olympic berth after beating Canada in an Olympic Qualifer shootout
Former University of Louisville field hockey standout Ayeisha McFerran helped lead Ireland's national team to a shootout win against Canada in an Olympic Qualifier Sunday in Donnybrook, Ireland. With the win, the Green Army earned a bid to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, marking the first-ever berth for the Irish Women's National Team.
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Facing Canada in the second leg of an Olympic qualifier, the teams played through a scoreless regulation followed by two overtime periods before entering a shootout. Canada jumped to a 3-1 lead before the Irish roared back to gain a 4-3 advantage with the aid of a pair of saves by McFerran. The goalkeeper thwarted Canada's final attempt to seal the victory.
"In terms of qualifying, it's a huge moment in Irish sporting history that I'm very proud to be a part of," said McFerran. "It's something that has been years in the making -not just by the 18 girls picked for this squad, but by girls who have been and gone in the program as well. It's been a dream of ours to take that next step to qualify for the Olympic Games, and now we want to go and do something special there. A massive shout out to Justine, Lucas, Erin and all the girls who I've played with as they have helped me to get to where I am now. They are a huge part in my journey, and for that I'm very thankful!"
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This was not the only time the Larne, Northern Ireland native turned in a clutch performance on a big stage. The 2018 Best Goalkeeper of the World Cup helped Hockey Ireland became the first in the nation's history to reach the World Cup finals last year.
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Facing India in a quarterfinal rematch, McFerran again posted shutout to send the contest to a shootout where she stopped two attempts as the Irish prevailed 3-1. She followed that performance with another shootout victory, this time turning back four tries help the Green Army emerge with a 3-2 win against Spain.Â
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McFerran is in her sixth year as a member of the Irish National Team.
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McFerran graduated from UofL in May 2019 after becoming the program's first four-time NFHCA All-American. She finished her career ranked among the school's top three in career victories (50) victories and shutouts (20) and goals against average (1.40).
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Facing Canada in the second leg of an Olympic qualifier, the teams played through a scoreless regulation followed by two overtime periods before entering a shootout. Canada jumped to a 3-1 lead before the Irish roared back to gain a 4-3 advantage with the aid of a pair of saves by McFerran. The goalkeeper thwarted Canada's final attempt to seal the victory.
"In terms of qualifying, it's a huge moment in Irish sporting history that I'm very proud to be a part of," said McFerran. "It's something that has been years in the making -not just by the 18 girls picked for this squad, but by girls who have been and gone in the program as well. It's been a dream of ours to take that next step to qualify for the Olympic Games, and now we want to go and do something special there. A massive shout out to Justine, Lucas, Erin and all the girls who I've played with as they have helped me to get to where I am now. They are a huge part in my journey, and for that I'm very thankful!"
Â
This was not the only time the Larne, Northern Ireland native turned in a clutch performance on a big stage. The 2018 Best Goalkeeper of the World Cup helped Hockey Ireland became the first in the nation's history to reach the World Cup finals last year.
    Â
Facing India in a quarterfinal rematch, McFerran again posted shutout to send the contest to a shootout where she stopped two attempts as the Irish prevailed 3-1. She followed that performance with another shootout victory, this time turning back four tries help the Green Army emerge with a 3-2 win against Spain.Â
      Â
McFerran is in her sixth year as a member of the Irish National Team.
Â
McFerran graduated from UofL in May 2019 after becoming the program's first four-time NFHCA All-American. She finished her career ranked among the school's top three in career victories (50) victories and shutouts (20) and goals against average (1.40).
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Players Mentioned
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