College Field Hockey
Hofstra University 2, Rider University 1

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.—Despite being out-shot 25-9, the Rider University field hockey team gave Hofstra University a battle before losing 2-1 on Friday afternoon in a non-conference game.

“As usual, Hofstra is very skilled and our team did a good job hanging tough with them,” said head coach Lori Hussong.  “We had several scoring opportunities that we didn't cash in on and they finally took advantage of the chances that we gave them.”

Rider (4-1) which lost for the first time in five games, saw senior Rachel Ippolite (Woolwich Twp./Kingsway Regional) score with 15 seconds remaining off an assist from junior Carlota Alsina (Barcelona, Spain) for the only Bronc goal of the game.

“Despite the outcome, we tried our hardest and that's what we will take from this game,” Hussong said.  “We needed to do a better job of making adjustments, especially ones that we went over at halftime.  We did give it our all and that's all I can ask for.”

Ippolite, who has two assists this year, scored for the first time this season after her shot deflected off a Hofstra stick for her seventh career goal.

Tied 0-0 with less than 23 minutes left in the game, Hofstra (3-3) hit the back of the cage at the 47:36 mark on a rebound and just 1:16 later, the Pride intercepted a clearing attempt to push the Bronc deficit to two goals.

“We made some critical mistakes up the field and that gave Hofstra several corner opportunities and they are very dangerous on those plays,” Hussong said.  “You can't give away corners the way we were giving them away.”

The Pride held a 10-6 penalty corner advantage.

Rider senior goalie Joelle Prettyman (Newark, Del./St. Mark's) made six saves as the Broncs were out-shot by 16 in the contest.

The defense was led by senior Melyssa Alonso (Toms River/Toms River HS North) who celebrated her birthday by making one of three defensive saves for the Broncs.

“Melyssa gave us energy all over the field,” Hussong said.  “She gave effort until the final whistle and played like a champion.  She has waited her turn and has been very patient and while she had a good year last year, this season, she is playing with a lot of confidence and is the field general for the defense.  She is a true leader and inspires her teammates to do more.”

The game featured Hofstra junior Colby Hussong facing the Rider coaching staff, led by head coach Lori Hussong and assistant coaches Dan Hussong and Mike Hussong.  Colby started and had one shot in 61 minutes of play.

Rider and Hofstra have now split the 24 games in the series that began in 1981.  Rider and Hofstra last met in 2014 when the Pride won 6-3 in a game that saw Rider battle back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the score.  In 2013 the Broncs scored 8:05 into the first overtime to defeat the Pride 2-1.  The Broncs won at Hofstra 2-0 in 2012.  Hofstra won 5-2 in 2011 and 4-3 in 2010.  Rider defeated the Pride 1-0 in 2009 with Hofstra winning 2-1 in 2008.

Rider hosts La Salle University on Sunday at noon on Ben Cohen Field.  The Broncs are hosting Alumni Day with all former Bronc field hockey players in attendance to be recognized at halftime.

-RU-