Field hockey enforces dominance on another opponent with 5-2 victory

The No. 9 Flames field hockey team hosted Providence on Sept. 22, seeking their eighth victory of the season. 

Entering the game, the Flames held a 9-0 record against the Friars and looked to improve their 7-1 season record. 

The Flames started fast, battling cooler temperatures and high winds on the Mountain. Sophomore midfielder Lou Combrinck would get the party started for the Flames on the day, scoring her first career goal in the first four minutes of the game, assisted by graduate defender Jodie Conolly. 

“It’s so special to score goals with your team,” Combrinck said postgame. “We practice all week, and to finally produce it on the field is really special. I’m grateful to do it with my teammates.”

The action slowed down after the opening score from Combrinck, as both teams were left without another goal through the remainder of the first half. 

Starting the second half off, however, Providence’s Lisa McNamara got her team back in the fight, scoring unassisted in the 37th-minute of the game. The Flames would not leave McNamara unanswered, with junior midfielder Ellie Livingston mustering a response and scoring 37 seconds later with help from freshman midfielder Kyleigh Faust.

The goal got the Flames offense back on its feet, as junior freshman Tuti Dell Anna scored unassisted in the 39th minute. Entering the final quarter of play, junior midfielder Martu Cian also scored unassisted just as the 46th minute passed. 

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Friars gained multiple corner opportunities, but none that came to any gain. After a review by officials in the 51st minute, Providence’s McNamara was awarded a penalty shot. Striking into the top right of the cage, McNamara narrowed the gap 4-2.

However, Liberty would strike last in the game, as Combrinck scored her second goal in the 58th minute, giving the Flames a 5-2 lead to close the game. The win improved the team to 8-1 on the season.

“We’re trying to take every day as it comes.” Flames Head Coach Nikki Parsley-Blocker said. “(We are) being extremely grateful for what we have, because this is what we work all year for. We always focus on controlling the process of what we can do, and take care of business.”

Liberty went on to take care of business against Longwood Sunday, Sept. 24, notching a 7-1 victory over the Lancers. The 9-1 Flames will take the field next Friday, Sept. 29 in Philadelphia, squaring off with Temple, a Big East matchup. 

Wilson is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion