One day after a 2-1 loss to Miami University, Indiana found itself in a one-goal deficit Sunday against the University of Louisville in the fourth period. This time, however, the Hoosiers were able to erase the deficit and force overtime.
Indiana came out attacking early. In stark contrast to Saturday’s game against Miami, the Hoosiers created multiple opportunities in the opening minutes. Senior midfielder Javi Baeza and senior back and midfielder Hannah Riddle both put shots on goal, but Louisville goalkeeper Emily Young kept Indiana off the scoreboard.
The Hoosiers had an opportunity to take control of the match, but the Cardinals defense continued to hold strong. Louisville eventually broke through in the 26th minute when senior forward Lauren Masters converted on a penalty corner to take a 1-0 lead.
Indiana entered halftime trailing by one, but the Hoosiers continued to look for an equalizer.
Much like the start of the first half, the Hoosiers had plenty of chances to score. Senior midfielder Inés Garcia Prado created two chances early in the third quarter, but Indiana couldn't convert either opportunity. Freshman midfielder Berta Saenz de Santa Maria and sophomore forward Celia Arroyo Cabezudo also recorded back-to-back shots in the 45th minute, continuing Indiana's pressure on the Louisville defense.
The Hoosiers' persistence eventually paid off in the fourth quarter as they continued to control the ball and generated eight shots on goal during the period. Arroyo Cabezudo found the back of the net to tie the match at 1-1 and record her first goal of the season.
The goal gave Indiana a chance to finish the comeback that fell short against Miami one day prior. Instead of trailing late and running out of time, the Hoosiers erased Louisville's lead, forcing the Cardinals into overtime.
Neither team could find a goal during the first overtime period, extending the match into a second overtime. Indiana continued to search for a way through the Louisville defense, but the Cardinals eventually earned a penalty stroke in the 72nd minute.
Louisville's senior midfielder Aubreigh Uba converted the opportunity, ending Indiana's comeback attempt and giving the Cardinals a 2-1 victory.
Although Indiana came away with another 2-1 loss, it looked much improved compared to Saturday's season opener. The Hoosiers recorded 28 shots and 16 shots on goal against Louisville, compared to their 10 shots and five shots on goal against Miami.
Junior forward and midfielder Charlotte Glasper and sophomore forward and midfielder Molly Stutte tied for an Indiana – lead with five shots, while the latter put four on goal. Arroyo Cabezudo added four shots, including the game-tying goal, while Prado recorded three.
The Hoosiers now begin the season 0-2, with both games decided by a single goal.
The Hoosiers will return to Bloomington on Friday for their first home contest of the season. Indiana will host New Hampshire at 3 p.m. at Deborah Tobias Field in Bloomington. The game will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
Follow reporter Jack Davis (@JackDavis0006 and jjd5@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana field hockey season.
