Sport
Natalie HoppeNatalie Hoppe
Syracuse Athletics
Field Hockey

Cardinal Falls at No. 14 Syracuse

Martin and Horlock tally in 3-2 loss as late comeback falls short

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Liv Martin and Star Horlock provided the offensive spark, but a second-half comeback from the hosts proved too much to overcome as the Stanford field hockey team fell in its weekend opener to No. 14 Syracuse on Friday evening, 3-2. 

In what was a back-and-forth affair through the majority of the opening frame, Stanford (9-6, 1-5 ACC) capitalized on its defensive prowess to slot home the opening goal. With Anya Jackson securing two saves in quick succession to stave off an opening tally from the Orange, the Cardinal turned defense into offense, opening the scoring off a quick restart.

Having a spell of possession on a restart, Star Horlock knifed her way through the Syracuse (8-5, 3-3 ACC) defense, opening up a chance in the scoring circle for Liv Martin. With no defender in sight, Martin slapped home a shot off a Syracuse deflection to give Stanford a 1-0 lead that the Cardinal saw into the first quarter break. 

However, Syracuse found itself back in the match, tying the score on a counterattack just over two minutes into the second quarter. Though the Orange had secured a semblance of momentum, the Cardinal struck back into the lead, capitalizing on its first - and only - penalty corner opportunity of the match as Horlock funneled home her ninth goal of the season to put Stanford back in front, 2-1. Though both sides kept threatening, neither side found the back of the cage as the Cardinal took the one-goal lead into the halftime break. 

In similar fashion to the first half, Syracuse brought the match back to level terms, earning the tying goal just over three minutes into the half off a Stanford turnover. However, Stanford held firm for the remainder of the frame to keep the scoreline tied heading into the final frame. 

With both sides looking to find the lead, Syracuse found the breakthrough with its penalty corner unit, striking on the set play to earn its first lead of the match halfway through the fourth quarter. Stanford continued to pester the Orange, however, finding a handful of opportunities late in the match to try and find the game-tying goal. However, Syracuse held firm late, stymying the comeback as the Cardinal fell, 3-2.

Stanford is back in action on Sunday, October 25 as the Cardinal completes the road slate against Boston College. First strike against the Eagles is slated for 9 a.m. PT.