After losing its first three games on the road, the Saint Louis University field hockey team is glad that it’s homeward bound.
The Billikens lost to Central Michigan 2-0 last Saturday and 6-0 to Louisville last Monday.
SLU was on the defensive throughout the first half, facing nine shots on goal before halftime. They did hold CMU scoreless in the half, but were unable to capitalize and grab the lead.
CMU’s Krystal Lee broke the scoreless tie with just more than two minutes remaining in the contest. Meg Lewis added an insurance goal one minute later off a pass from Amy Kauffman.
The Billikens again found themselves on the defensive against Louisville on Labor Day. The Cardinals outshot the Billikens 27-4.
Louisville scored nine minutes into the contest. Kimberly Hughes scored from Pip Sanders and Olivia Netzler.
Louisville struck again when Hughes set up Susan Sattazahn for a goal 10 minutes later. Elisa Eshelman gave Louisville a 3-0 lead just before half on an unassisted goal.
Netzler scored 15 minutes into the second half. Hughes picked up her second assist on the goal. Shannon Kemp gave Louisville a 5-0 lead 18 minutes later. Sanders added the final goal on a penalty shot with three minutes left in the match.
“We’re struggling to generate offense. We have a young forward line,” said coach Shannon West. “Defensively, we’ve been challenged. The teams we’ve played have really tested us. We’ve had to work on our individual and team defense. We’ve been playing 60 minutes of defense so far.”
Even though the Billikens haven’t won, West knows that the contests have had positive effects.
“The teams that we’ve been playing have been so talented,” West said. “There are so talented that they just aren’t giving us many opportunities.”
There have been some highlights for the Billikens so far.
“Goalkeeper Erin Linehan has made some good saves for us,” West said. “She’s been more of a presence in the circle. Alisa Hebert moved from forward last year to midfielder and has been a good presence in the middle. Pam Martin took last year off. But she has returned and been one of our best markers in the back. She’s helped make it more of a team effort.”
The Billikens play their home opener this afternoon at 2.
SLU takes on NORPAC division rival California Golden Bears in the Anheuser-Busch Center in Fenton, Mo.
The match begins a six-game homestand for the Billikens.
“We’re excited to be back home,” West said. “Cal will be a huge challenge for us. They’re such a skilled team.”
On Friday, Sept 7, SLU hosts Miami, Ohio at 4 p.m.
“Miami should be more competitive for us,” West said.
On Monday, Sept. 10 the Billikens will host Dartmouth. This will be the first game of the season for Dartmouth.
