Columbia University
(8-8)
Sacred Heart
(8-11)
Seniors Shine in Columbia's 2-1 Victory Over Sacred Heart
10/28/2018 4:49:00 PM | Field Hockey
Goals from seniors Cavanaugh and Buttinger highlight a strong offensive day for the Lions on Senior Day.
NEW YORK – Katherine Cavanaugh and Danielle Buttinger netted goals in their final home game, lifting the Columbia field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over Sacred Heart on Senior Day. The Lions, who controlled the game nearly the entire way, evened their record at 8-8 and snapped a three-game losing streak with the win.
Columbia registered a season-high 31 shots with 16 on target and held an 11-1 advantage on corners. However, Hailey Power was stellar in goal for the Pioneers (8-11), making 14 saves on the day, to keep her team within striking distance.
Cavanaugh opened the scoring in the 24th minute and jump-started the attack by intercepting a clearing attempt by Sacred Heart. Jennifer Trieschman came up with the ball on the left wing and centered back to Cavanaugh at the top of the circle for a shot that found the back of the net. The score was the tri-captain's third of the year.
The Lions continued to apply pressure and limit offensive chances for the Pioneers, but could not tack on an insurance goal until the 54th minute. Buttinger took a pass down on the left side and sprinted into the circle, weaved around a defender and her hard shot beat Power to the far side of the cage to extend the lead to 2-0.
That goal proved to be important as SHU cut the deficit in half with 5:30 on the clock. Kayla Cross set up Colleen McAninley with a low crossing pass from the right endline. The ball took an awkward bounce and was the only blemish of the day for the Columbia defense, who limited the Pioneers to just four shots on goal.
Sacred Heart pushed for the equalizer, but could not generate another shot and the Lions were able to ice the game by drawing a corner in the final moments to take precious seconds off the clock.
Prior to the game, Buttinger, Cavanaugh, Katie Dempsey, Katie Koester and Keegan Marsh were honored in a pregame ceremony for their hard work and dedication to the program over the past four years. All five were in the starting lineup and each of the four position players recorded at least one shot on goal.
The Lions will wrap up the 2018 season at Harvard next Saturday, November 3. Game time is set for 12 p.m. on ESPN+.
Team Stats
Cavanaugh, Katherine (3)
Assisted By: Trieschman, Jennifer
9 steals ball, slides out to 23, who the
23:01
Buttinger, Danielle (6)
Drove down left side, spun the defender
53:59
MCANINLEY, Colleen (9)
Assisted By: KRUK, Kayla
13 sends in a low cross, 10 connects for
64:30
