The Hopkins women’s soccer team lost a heartbreaking game against The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) 2-1 in double overtime. The loss marked the first defeat of the season for the Jays to bring their overall season record to 10-1. The game’s winning goal was scored just 13 seconds into the second overtime period, lifting the Lions over the Jays. Despite a large number of opportunities in the beginning of the first half, the Lady Jays were unable to capitalize on their chances. Superstar junior Hannah Kronick kept her scoring streak going by notching yet another goal for the Jays. As a result of the loss, Hopkins dropped from second to sixth in the rankings.
However, the Jays needed to put the game against TCNJ behind them, as they only had three days to prepare for a face off against Centennial Conference opponent Haverford. Unfortunately, it was Haverford who started the scoring early in the first half when Mariah Baker and Connie Friedman broke past the defense on a two on one. Friedman fed Baker for the goal and Haverford jumped to a quick 1-0 lead just 11 minutes into the first half.
After some back and forth play, the Jays found themselves with a penalty kick after a foul inside the box in the 38th minute. Freshman Meg Van de Loo took the honors and buried a beautiful shot into the top corner of the goal, tying the game at 1-1.
The game stayed tied into the middle of the second half up until the 76th minute. With a corner kick, sophomore Maryalice McKenna struck a cross through the box and found Van de Loo who headed the ball into the back of the net for her second goal of the game, giving the Jays a 2-1 lead.
As hard as the Jays tried to defend the slim lead, Haverford was relentless on offense and came back in the final minutes to tie the game up at 2-2. In the 88th minute, Elizabeth Newman took a direct kick that found the foot of Sierra Houck, who fired a shot into the back of the net, forcing overtime between the conference rivals.
The first overtime stayed scoreless as neither team could generate any scoring chances, forcing the Lady Jays into double overtime for the second consecutive game. However, neither team could score the game-clinching goal and the final buzzer sounded, leaving the game at a draw 2-2. Hopkins now owns a 10-1-1 record on the season. Both teams had an equal number of shots in the game with 24 each and senior goalie Kelly Leddy had a career-best 11 saves.
Hopkins will return to action October 16th on the road against conference opponent Dickinson College. The Lady Jays will look to return to their winning ways as they head into the final stretch of their demanding season.
