No. 9 Louisville Tops Penn 2-1

Sunday, September 3

Philadelphia, PA

1:30 PM

University of Louisville

(4-0)

University of Pennsylvania

(0-2)

Louisville

Penn

Lauren Masters dribbles the ball against Northeastern

Photo by: Rachel Klotz | Louisville Athletics

September 03, 2023 | Field Hockey

Box Score

Second half goals from freshmen Tyler Everslage and Lauren Masters lift Cards to their fourth straight win

By: Lori Harmon

PHILADELPHIA – The ninth-ranked University of Louisville field hockey team picked up its fourth straight win with a 2-1 victory over Pennsylvania Sunday afternoon at Ellen Vaguelos Field.

The Cardinals fell behind 1-0 in the third quarter, but scored a pair of unanswered goals courtesy of freshmen Tyler Everslage and Lauren Masters to improve to 4-0 on the season.

"I was really impressed with our effort today," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "Certainly from top to bottom, everyone contributed defensively. We were hoping that we could break open the game a little bit earlier, but it was a great performance by Penn. Our message really is just about being persistent and keep playing. Structurally, we were happy to come out with the result given the conditions as well."

The teams played through a scoreless first half that saw Louisville generate scoring opportunities, outshooting the Quakers 5-1 and earning five penalty corners, but the Cards were unable to capitalize as the Penn defense held strong with goalkeeper Frederique Wollaert collecting three saves.

The Quakers (0-2) broke through first when Emily Stafford gained possession of the ball in the circle and sent a shot into the cage with four minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Penn held the lead for two minutes before the Cardinals countered with a goal from Everslage who connected on a rebound off of Wollaert for her second score in as many games.

After trading goals in the third quarter, the teams entered the final frame knotted at 1-1. Louisville continued to apply offensive pressure and pulled ahead with under four minutes remaining in regulation when Masters converted on a feed from freshman Roosje Neve for her first collegiate goal which stood as the game winner.

In the game, Louisville outshot Penn 15-3 with a 7-2 edge in shots on goal and a 12-0 advantage in penalty corners. Wallaert turned away five of the Cardinals' shots on goal while Louisville goalkeeper Merlijn van der Vegt had one stop.

Sunday's victory closed a stretch of three straight games on the road, two of which pitted the Cardinals against top-10 opponents. "We've had some great results on the road against some quality opponents and under some really difficult conditions whether it's been weather, postponements or travel," said Sowry. "I'm just really proud of our group right now with their resiliency."

The Cardinals will return to action with a pair of home contests next weekend when they take on Ohio State Friday at 6 p.m. and VCU Sunday at 12 p.m.