On Saturday, Oct. 5, Vermont field hockey hosted the Providence College Friars in a tussle ending in a 2-1 loss for the Catamounts.
The Cats are in the hot seat after winning the 2024 America East championship, an accolade no opponent will be quick to forget. Vermont entered the game following a 4-3 win over the University of New Hampshire on Friday, Oct. 3, their first conference game of the season.
Three minutes into the first quarter, Providence scored what would be the only goal of the half.
Despite minimal netted shots, tension between the two teams was on full display: A total of three green cards — warranting a two-minute penalty — and a yellow — indicating a five-minute penalty — were issued to Vermont. Pushing back, Providence reluctantly collected two greens and a whopping five yellows.
The Friars’ backline proved difficult to conquer, gifting the Cats zero goals in the second quarter, despite close calls on three Vermont corners. Throughout the 65 total minutes of play, Vermont earned a total of 11 corners and Providence, eight.
The Cats continued to make quick passes and interceptions in the second half, facilitating another 12 shots on goal. When asked about the essentials in keeping her team motivated, head coach Kate Pfeifer pointed to the experience and knowledge of her squad.
“When you have a team that’s been successful in winning an America East championship last year, and players that just know what needs to be done, you don’t have to say a whole lot of magic words to get it to happen,” she said.
Their expertise paid off, as Vermont tied the game in the third quarter with a goal from senior midfielder Sophia Lefranc, scored on a corner and assisted by junior defender Klara Mikulaskova.
The Catamount defense saw more action throughout the second half, defending 10 shots on goal and eight opportunities from corners coming from the Friars. Exceptional plays were made by Lefranc and first-year midfielder Veerle Nijhuis, who both made crucial interceptions on scoring attempts in the circle during corners.
Cutting off passes and using effective block tackles, the Cats held Providence to a single goal despite the Friars’ seven corners in the last quarter, forcing overtime.
Overtime lasted just five minutes as Providence sent a quick slap shot to the corner of the cage. The conclusive 2-1 scoreline meant the Friars would return home unbeaten by the Cats since 2008.
Melanie Priestly, mother of senior forward Maddie Priestly, noted the undeniable energy she sees from the team, both on the field and emerging from the locker room.
“They have this energy that they bring when they walk out to the field,” she said. “Every little bit gets them psyched up, motivates them. They’re really supportive of each other.”
Ted Priestly, father of Maddie Priestly, also emphasized the importance of team cohesion in high-stress moments.
“Everybody contributes in their own way,” he said. “They care about each other, and it shows with the way that we play.”
The Cats play their second conference game against No. 2 UMass Lowell on Friday, Oct.10, in a race to surpass each of their 6-5 records come gameday. The temperature remains scalding, as Vermont looks to defend their title in November’s playoffs.
“We have a bit of a target on our back now,” said Coach Pfeifer. “I really believe wholeheartedly that when we play team hockey, we’re better than anybody in the league, but we have to do that, and we’ve got to do it for 60 minutes.”
