ATHENS, Ohio – Saint Louis field hockey battled throughout Sunday afternoon but came up just short in a 2-1 loss to Ohio at Pruitt Field.
The Billikens (0-2) controlled much of the opening quarter and had the best scoring opportunity of the period when Sierra Larson got a shot from close range, but Ohio goalkeeper Molly Schreiner came up with the save.Â
Ohio (1-1) came out firing in the second quarter, and the Saint Louis defense fought off several penalty corners before Tiana Nhamoinesu broke through with an individual effort to give the Bobcats a 1-0 lead.Â
The Billikens answered later in the quarter as Maddie Croghan scored the first goal of her career off a penalty corner. Josie Naeger sent the ball forward to Croghan, who turned and fired a shot with her back to the goalkeeper to even the score at 1-1.
The teams remained tied through the third quarter before Ohio scored the game winner late in the fourth. Karley DuCoin scored at the 53:55 mark to put the Bobcats ahead 2-1.
Saint Louis threatened in the waning minutes and earned several penalty corners as time expired, but the Billikens were unable to find the equalizer. Saint Louis and Ohio finished with 18 shots apiece in the match, while the Bobcats held a narrow 12-11 advantage in penalty corners.
Up next, the Billikens are home for a pair of matches next weekend at the SLU Field Hockey Complex. SLU welcomes Louisville for the home opener on Friday, Sept. 4, at 1:30 p.m. CT. Mercyhurst is the opponent on Sunday, Sept. 6, in a noon CT start.
