Tasting defeat for the first time in two seasons, the Bowdoin Field Hockey Team fell to the Trinity College Bantams last Saturday afternoon. The 2-0 shutout snapped a 39-game home win streak and a 31-game overall win streak for the Bears, as well as the first Trinity victory over Bowdoin since 1997.
The Polar Bears held the advantage in shots (8-0) and penalty corner opportunities (9-0) for the first half and effectively controlled the play in Trinity's defensive end. However, difficulties converting on scoring chances and the remarkable individual effort from Bantam goalkeeper Gina DiNallo left Bowdoin empty-handed after 35 minutes had passed.
"We were encouraged by the amount of possession we had but obviously need a greater sense of urgency in converting our opportunities," said Head Coach Nicky Pearson.
Unfortunately for the Polar Bears, a different Trinity team took the field for the second half. Putting four shots on the Bowdoin goal and earning five penalty corner attempts, the Bantams found a way to take the game from the favored Polar Bears.
"Trinity's offensive speed forced us to make quick defensive switches and recoveries," said Megan McCullough '10.
Within two minutes of the start of the second half, Trinity was leading the Polar Bears 1-0. Christine Mwatarura was able to slip behind the Bowdoin defense and redirect a shot from Payson Sword into the back of the cage.
After the goal, the Bantams played with a new sense of inspiration and confidence. As opposed to their performance in the first half, Trinity was able to create odd-man rushes that yielded many scoring opportunities, and the fervent Bowdoin attackers were prevented from setting up in their scoring circle.
With 8:41 remaining in the game, Mwatarura clinched the win for Trinity with her second goal of the contest. Again, Mwatarura snuck behind the Bowdoin defense where a rebound found its way to her stick for the easy stuff into the net.
"I believe that we can build off of what we learned during the game. We will have to continue to improve our defensive communication as well as our offensive intensity," said McCullough '10.
With the loss the Polar Bears drop to second place in the NESCAC and also relinquish their top ranking in the NCAA for the first time this season. Bowdoin is now ranked No. 2 in D-III. The Polar Bears will have the opportunity to get back on track this Saturday when they travel to Colby College to take on the Mules.
Colby is ranked No. 7 in the NESCAC with two wins and five losses in conference play.