Video Highlights

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2014) - Highlighted by an unassisted Abi Sawyer (Wakefield, West Yorkshire) tally in the 61st minute, the LIU Post field hockey team advanced to the NCAA Division II National Championship for the second-straight year Thursday, following a 3-2 win versus Stonehill at Trager Stadium on the campus of the University of Louisville.

The opening half of action saw the Pioneers (18-3) take the early lead, as senior forward Lyn-Marie Wilson (Bridgetown, Barbados) found the back of the cage off of a Dani Crouse (Westville, South Africa) helper at 20:01. The Skyhawks (17-4) answered back though seven minutes later with a Lauren Giordano goal to tie the contest at 1-1. Through the first stanza, the green and gold had attempted five shots on goal, while a strong back line allowed the opposition only two. 

LIU Post pressured Stonehill early in the second period as well. Nearly six minutes in, it paid off for senior forward Stephanie Ruhle (Wanaque, N.J.), who put her team back ahead. Ruhle dove in front of the cage to poke a Wilson assist past Skyhawk keeper Elizabeth Genovese (Street, Md.). However, Stonehill responded less than three minutes later to even the score for a second time.

At 60:16, the Pioneers took the lead for good. From the top of the circle, Sawyer fired a shot into the top-left corner of the cage to secure her first collegiate goal and the victory. 

Through 70 minutes of play, the green and gold held a 12-6 advantage in shots and an 8-6 edge in penalty corners. Sophomore goalkeeper Ericka Parks (Nesconset, N.Y.) made one save for LIU Post in the winning effort.

Head Coach Raenee Savin and the Pioneers are now set to play Millersville in the NCAA Division II National Championship on Saturday (Dec. 6) at 1:30 p.m. at Trager Stadium.