By Adam Levine, Interim Asst. Sports Editor
By Gerrell Boyce, Staff Writer
Framingham State field hockey came up short 2-1 against the Westfield State Owls Oct. 19.
Rams sophomore defender Kaylee Beck said, “The entire game throughout, we were dominating. It was an unfortunate ending, but at the end of the day, we are going to remember this feeling.”
Beck was right that the Rams were dominant, and they showed that on both ends of the field. Framingham was able to take 11 shots, seven of which were shots on goal. They held Westfield to 10 shots, but nine of them were shots on goal and that ultimately helped the Owls secure their victory.
Rams junior Kaitlin Loughlin was in at the goal, and, despite the loss, she was able to save seven of the Owls’ shots on goal.
The first quarter was slow and had little action. At 5:48, Rams junior forward Brandi Core set up to take the first penalty corner of the match. This set up Rams junior midfielder Corlene Guenard with an opportunity to put points on the board. Her shot hit the post of the goal and the match remained scoreless.
At 8:23, Rams freshman midfielder Kennedy St. Pierre drove down the field, maneuvering through Westfield’s defense with a chance to score. Westfield’s Bre Foley was there with a defensive save to end Framingham’s advances.
As both teams continued to battle possession to possession, the first quarter came to a close with a scoreless match.
The second quarter started and both teams continued to battle. As possession came and went, both teams had to switch between offense and defense. Neither team seemed to be able to break through.
At 28:24, Westfield saw a chance with their first penalty corner of the match. Framingham was able to use Westfield’s failed attempt and rally their offense. At the other end of the field, Framingham’s Core set up for another penalty corner. Her pass into play gave Rams sophomore midfielder Peyton Coonan the opportunity to assist Guenard with a goal. The Rams took a 1-0 lead at 29:18.
The Rams went into the second half leading the Owls 1-0.
The third quarter resumed with a lot of up and down action on field. After a slow first half of the match, both teams came out aggressively.
Just two minutes into the third quarter, Westfield penetrated Framingham’s defense and put them to the test. The Owls Emily Martin was able to take back-to-back penalty corners. Her second penalty corner set up back-to-back shots from her teammates, Madison Ouellette and Lily Spencer. Loughlin was able to save both shots and the Rams kept their 1-0 lead.
Framingham lasted through Westfield’s powerful offensive third quarter without letting up a goal.
The fourth quarter began and provided the most action of the entire match. The Owls once again put the Rams on the defense early in the quarter. After four unsuccessful Westfield penalty corners, Rams sophomore midfielder Abby Clark received a green card penalty at 50:05.
Framingham rallied and switched the momentum of the game. They put Westfield on the defense, but Guenard’s back-to-back shots were unsuccessful.
Westfield’s Foley received her own green card penalty at 55:38 and the Rams continued their offensive push.
On the other end of the field, Westfield’s Kaleigh Murphy got past Framingham’s defense. She assisted her teammate, Emily Martin, on the Owls’ first goal. At 58:53, the Owls tied the match.
The sudden victory in overtime was enough for the Owls to secure their victory. After Framingham’s initial offensive attack, Westfield switched the momentum. After three saves by Rams Loughlin, the fourth shot ended the match. At 69:07, Westfield’s Martin scored her second goal of the match, this time assisted by Skyla Harthcock.
Framingham’s conference record falls to 4-6 and their overall record to 8-7. They close out their regular season with two more conference matchups. Coonan said the Rams plan is “to keep playing hard” as they close out their season.
The Rams will travel to face Eastern Connecticut State on Oct. 25.