Maine falls in Conference Semifinals to Stanford in shootout

Friday, November 8

West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University

1:30 PM

University of Maine

(8-10 (4-1AE))

Stanford University

(14-6 (4-0AE))

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	Final F
Stanford	0	0	0	0	0	1	1
Maine	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Maine falls in Conference Semifinals to Stanford in shootout

11/8/2019 4:32:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

After 80 scoreless minutes, Stanford pulled out a 2-0 victory in the shootout

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The University of Maine field hockey program had its season come to a close on Friday afternoon, falling to the Stanford Cardinal in a shootout in the America East Semifinals.

In what is sure to be remembered as one of the most enthralling games in both program's history, both teams left it all on the pitch in 80 minutes of regulation and overtime, battling to a zero-zero draw after four quarters and two extra halves of overtime. Somebody had to win, and Stanford executed their shootout strategy to perfection, scoring on their first two shots while holding Maine off the board on their first three tries to secure the trip to the America East Championship.

MAINE GAME NOTES

As they've done the entire second half of the season, the Maine defense was simply astounding. Maine is just the third team this season to hold Stanford completely off the scoreboard, consistently turning away constant Stanford pressure to give their offense a chance. Morgan Anson recorded a defensive save late in the fourth quarter to hold the line, senior captain Brittany Smith was exceptional all day, and America East Defensive Player of the Year Cassandra Mascarenhas rounded out the backline leaders with yet another outstanding performance in the backfield.
The story of the game was sophomore Mia Borley in net. Borley was simply excellent, making six of her nine total saves in the fourth quarter and overtime to give her team a chance.
The Black Bears offense had a few solid chances, recording six total shots and three on goal. However, America East Goalkeeper of the Year Kelsey Bing lived up to the honor with a shutout to stymie any and all Maine offensive momentum.
The loss marks the end of the 2019 season, and the end of the career for Maine seniors Brittany Smith, Morgan Anson, Lilla Tilton-Flood, Riley Field, and Brianna Ricker. The five notched 49 overall victories and 21 against America East opponents in their four seasons.

Maine wraps up 2019 with an 8-10 overall record, a 4-1 conference mark, and a second place regular season in the America East Eastern Division.