GREENWOOD - The Lander Field Hockey team returned to the friendly confines of Frank Hill Stadium on Tuesday night as they looked to secure their second consecutive win against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders. 60 minutes were not enough to separate the two teams and Lander would be on the front foot through both ten minute overtime periods but couldn't find the game winner. Eventually, Belmont Abbey would break through in the shootout and the Bearcats couldn't respond as the Crusaders would escape with the victory. With the loss the Bearcats moved to 2-4 on the season as well as in SAC play.
Belmont Abbey would open the scoring five minutes into the game but the Bearcats would be quick to respond before the first quarter buzzer as Lauren Punt slotted home her third goal of the season off an assist from Emma Allon with 30 seconds left in the quarter to tie the score at one after 15 minutes of action. However, the Crusaders would strike again midway through the second to give the visitors a 2-1 lead going into the halftime break.
Lander made adjustments quickly in the third quarter as Frederique Van Der Houwen scored her second goal of the season from a Lieke Toma penalty corner to equalize the score going into the last 15 minutes of action.
Belmont Abbey looked to have a golden opportunity to take the lead in the fourth quarter as they were awarded a penalty stroke but
Isabel Elenga was not fazed as she made a diving save to her right to keep the score tied at two. Time would tick down in regulation and we would go to sudden victory overtime.
Lander would have several opportunities to find the game winner but couldn't get the right shot and the game ticked to overtime.
Despite outshooting the Crusaders 9-2 in the two overtime periods, Belmont Abbey keeper Chloe Parker was outstanding between the pipes keeping her team in the game and forcing the game into a shootout.
Both teams would be held scoreless in their first four attempts but the Crusaders were able to find the back of the cage on their fifth attempt and the response from Emma Allon was saved and Belmont Abbey would come away with the win.
The Bearcats will take their talents on the road as they start a two-game road trip in Missouri next week where they will face fellow first-year program, Maryville, on October 17th and then face Lindenwood on October 19th. Lander's next home game is October 22nd against SAC foe Newberry at 1:00 PM.
