HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.- the Wagner College field hockey team suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 overtime loss to Hofstra University on sunday afternoon, despite a strong first-half performance. The Seahawks built a 3-0 lead before the Pride rallied to force the extra period and ultimately secure the victory.
Wagner, now 5-8 overall and 4-2 in Northeast Conference (NEC) play, saw its early dominance slip away against the Coastal Athletic Association’s Hofstra (6-7, 0-2 CAA). The loss underscores the competitive nature of the Seahawks’ schedule as they navigate a challenging season and strive for a strong finish in conference competition. Wagner returns home next Friday to face NEC rival Merrimack.
Felicitas Herrero opened the scoring just five-and-a-half minutes into the game with a goal off a penalty stroke.Julia de Leeuw extended Wagner’s lead early in the second quarter, scoring her second goal in consecutive games, assisted by erika Parker and Julie Povel.Floortje Leunisse then added her team-leading seventh goal of the season from another penalty stroke, giving the Seahawks a commanding 3-0 advantage at halftime.
Hofstra began its comeback in the third quarter, scoring its first goal shortly after the five-minute mark. The Pride continued to pressure, netting goals in the 57th and 58th minutes to tie the game at 3-3 and force overtime.
The game-winning goal came four minutes and 11 seconds into the overtime period, handing Hofstra the 4-3 victory.
Wagner goalkeeper Saar van Dalen recorded four saves, bringing her season total to 69 across 730 minutes of play. The Seahawks registered 10 shots, with five on target, and earned five penalty corners, while Hofstra had 22 shots (eight on target) and 13 penalty corners.
Wagner will host Merrimack on Friday, October 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Wagner College Field Hockey Complex.
