Dragons Net Three Goals in Overtime Loss to JMU

Thursday, April 22

Newark, Del.

12 p.m.

Drexel University

(5-6)

James Madison

(6-1)

Drexel

JMU

Dragons Net Three Goals in Overtime Loss to JMU

4/22/2021 2:05:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

NEWARK, Del. – The Drexel field hockey team took top seeded James Madison University to overtime in the first round of the Colonial Athletic Association Semifinals, coming up just short 4-3. The Dragons cap off a successful 2020 season with a 5-6 record and their first tournament appearance since the 2016 season.

Drexel avoided the early threat, holding strong against a powerful JMU offense. Eline Di Leva was the first driving force for the Dragons, almost putting Drexel ahead first with a shot off the top bar. The Dragons did a great job early on making JMU feel like they had space but were collapsing at the right moments to hold off the Dukes.

JMU sank a goal at the end of the first quarter to take the lead but the Dragons offense came back hot to start the second. Senior Chandler McFeeley put Drexel on the board with a strong feed cross net from Di Leva. McFeeley's placement on the left post was essential in creating the opportunity for the Dragons.

Di Leva set up yet another opportunity for the Dragons shortly after, with a quick pass from the top, allowing sophomore Amber Brouwer to sink her second collegiate goal with a lift over JMU's goalie to give Drexel the go-ahead goal.

The Dukes continued to push back but an outstanding effort by Hadfield in net kept JMU at bay. The sophomore goalkeeper put on a show for Drexel, recording six saves before the half. JMU came back with a vengeance in the third quarter, taking a 3-2 lead heading into the final 15.

Drexel answered back in the 46^th minute on a goal by McFeeley who created space in front of the net, catching a rebound on the left post from Di Leva. The freshman had a hand in all three of Drexel's goals, tallying a season-high three assists.

The two teams battled for opportunities in the final minutes to take control of the game. The Dukes forced a corner in the final minute but could not get past Hadfield, who recorded 11 saves in regulation. The West Chester, Pa native closed out the day with a career high 12 saves on 27 shots faced. Hadfield had strength in numbers on defense as Stephanie Oleykowski and Cailey Lever each recorded a defensive save.

JMU's overtime opportunity came as a result of their ability to force penalty corners, sinking the game winner on a corner shot by Caroline Cahill. Despite the valiant effort from the Dragons, JMU had a 16-0 advantage on corners and recorded 18 shots on goal to just three for Drexel.