Leitzel's Early Goal Not Enough for Field Hockey in Home Loss to Crimson Hawks

FROSTBURG, Md. – The Frostburg State Field Hockey team had an early lead but were unable to hold on in a 3-1 loss to Indiana (Pa.) at home on Tuesday.
 
In the opening minutes, FSU created an early chance, as junior Paige Leitzel ripped a shot from just inside the arc that was kicked away by keeper Anita Planella. A minute later, the Crimson Hawks earned a penalty corner, as the resulting shot from Jess Davidson went just wide of junior Zoe Barnes' goal.
 
With just over nine minutes on the clock, a high bouncing ball into the area was met by sophomore Emma Price, but Planella smothered the chance, then made it back-to-back saves on Leitzel's follow-up attempt. Seconds later, the Bobcats were awarded their first corner, where Price passed to graduate Ashlyn Cave, feeding across to Leitzel to fire home for a 1-0 lead. Just over two minutes later, however, IUP earned a corner, where Cassie Romanczuk received the insert, taking one touch and putting the ball past Barnes for a 1-1 tie after the first 15 minutes.
 
Frostburg again started fast in the second period, earning three corners in the first six minutes. Leitzel and graduate Emilie Bonhivert both shot just wide, while the former also drew another save from Planella, keeping the game tied. The Crimson Hawks dominated the rest of the half, as two straight corners resulted in shots being blocked, but on the latter attempt, the follow-up was put home by Nora Kirkwood for a 2-1 advantage. Another pair of late corners only came to one effort wide and another blocked at the end of the half.
 
Neither team generated much in the early minutes of the third, with IUP then continuing their momentum with three straight shots, as Barnes made a save, one was put wide, and another blocked. The Bobcats continued to hold on after another pair of corners, as Barnes made back-to-back saves to keep the deficit to 2-1 at the end of three.
 
The Crimson Hawks were able to protect their lead throughout the fourth, as FSU wasn't able to get a shot off in the last 15 minutes. With just over five minutes to go, IUP sealed up the victory with Davidson feeding a cross into Romanczuk to put home for a 3-1 score. The visitors were awarded one last corner that came to nothing, sealing their two-goal victory.
 
With the loss, Frostburg falls to 4-8 on the year, while IUP improves to 4-7. The Bobcats continue their three-game homestand on Saturday, October 19, as they host East Stroudsburg for Homecoming Weekend. Information and updates will be posted to frostbugsports.com.