The seventh-ranked University of Louisville field hockey team secured their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over host American University on Sunday at Jacobs Recreational Complex. Despite an early setback, the Cardinals (1-1) rallied behind goals from Sophia Parker and Rylie Wollerton to overcome a 1-0 deficit. Goalkeeper Emily Young made one save to earn her first collegiate win.
Louisville head coach Justine Sowry praised her team’s resilience, stating, “Great to get our first win against a tough and quality opponent in American. They hit us early and we were very passive and reactive. We came out in the second half playing the hockey we like to see, working harder defensively, having more poise on the ball, connecting passes on attack and ultimately executing in front of goal.”
The game began with American (0-2) applying early pressure, nearly scoring in the opening minute. After an unsuccessful Louisville penalty corner in the fourth minute, the Eagles capitalized on their first corner opportunity when Sarah Steinman, assisted by Tayla-Jade Weiss, scored to give American a 1-0 lead with 5:34 remaining in the first quarter.
Louisville responded swiftly, converting on their second penalty corner chance just a minute later. Parker initiated the play, and after Tatum Kroon settled the ball for Izzy Bianco, Bianco’s shot was blocked by AU goalkeeper Bryn Underwood. Parker pounced on the rebound, netting her second goal of the season to tie the game.
The second quarter saw minimal action, with each team registering one shot apiece. Young made a crucial save to keep the score tied 1-1 at halftime. Louisville outshot the Eagles 4-2 in the first half and held a 3-1 advantage in penalty corners.
In the third quarter, the Cardinals took the lead thanks to Wollerton’s goal in the seventh minute of the frame. After intercepting an Eagle pass, Wollerton capitalized on a feed from Chloe Cuzzupe, sending the ball into the top left corner of the cage to make it 2-1.
Louisville added an insurance goal in the fourth quarter, once again converting on a penalty corner opportunity. Parker’s precise insertion and Mia Duchars’ setup allowed Bianco to send the ball to the right post, where a diving Wollerton deflected it into the cage for her second goal of the game.
Louisville dominated the match, outshooting American 10-4, with a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal and a 7-3 edge in penalty corners.
After starting the season with two road games, Louisville will return home for a five-game homestand, beginning with a matchup against No. 15 Princeton on Friday at 4 p.m. at Trager Stadium.
