Waterville, ME – Field Hockey put in an impressive performance but ultimately came up just short in a 1-2 loss against nationally ranked #8 ranked Bates College on Wednesday, September 18^th, 2024. 

Thomas College: Overall (5-3)
Bates College: Overall (3-1)
 
How it Happened:  

• The Terriers started the game strong on defense, blocking multiple Bobcat attempts on goal.
• Seven minutes in the Terriers had their first real chance of the game off of a penalty corner.
• Molly Littlefield inserted the ball which eventually found Julia Reny, but had her shot saved by the Bobcats goalkeeper.
• Nine minutes in the Bobcats broke the deadlock, scoring to make it 0-1.
• The Terriers were able to respond four minutes later, with Kara Richards finding Samantha Thebarge off of a penalty corner to tie things up at 1-1.
• Elise Syphers had to come up with a big save with just over a minute left in the first quarter to keep things level.
• The Terrier defense continued to hold strong in the second quarter, not allowing any goals thanks to several good saves from Syphers.
• The Terriers found themselves tied with the #8 ranked Bobcats 1-1 at halftime, an incredible achievement.
• The Bobcats turned up the intensity in the third quarter, forcing Syphers to make six saves while the defense had seven blocked shots.
• The Bobcats eventually broke through with five minutes left in the quarter, scoring to take a 2-1 lead.
• Despite the Bobcats pressure, the Terriers were able to put together a strong fourth quarter.
• Both teams traded shots and chances for the first seven minutes of the fourth, but neither could put the ball in the back of the net.
• With only seven minutes to go the Terriers took over the game, gaining the majority of possession.
• This led to a penalty corner with just under two minutes remaining.
• Richards inserted the ball and found Thebarge again, but the Bobcats goalkeeper made a good save to keep it level.
• Seconds later Richards had two attempts on goal that required two crucial stops from the Bobcats goalkeeper.
• The Bobcats eventually walked away with a 2-1 win over the Terriers.
• Despite the loss the Terriers played extremely well, even out-shooting #8 ranked Bates College in the fourth quarter.
• Syphers in particular had an outstanding game, totally 13 saves to help out an already strong Terrier defense.

 
Inside the Stats:  

• Elise Syphers – 13 Saves
• Samantha Thebarge – 1 Goal
• Kara Richards – 1 Assist

 
What's Next:

• Field Hockey will look to build on this result as they travel to take on the University of Maine Farmington Beavers on Saturday, September 21^st, 2024. Game time is set for 12:00 PM.