Dan Sherman
Asst. SID
Juniata
814-641-3513
Washington, D.C., Juniata field hockey begins and ends their week by defeating conference rival Catholic in double overtime games to dethrone the reigning champions. Freshman Katie Alexander (Mifflinburg, PA / Mifflinburg) scored the game winning golden goal on a one-timer from Allison Groft (Hanover, PA / South Western) to claim the Landmark crown for the first time since 2010, ending Catholic's three-year title run.
Despite Catholic dominating the game, the Eagles hung around and kept themselves within striking distance to get the win. The Cardinals had ample amounts of opportunities to score, with 19 corners to Juniata's none. Catholic outshot the Blue and Gold 21-1, proving that defense truly wins championships. Kortney Showers (Aspers, PA / Biglerville) and Kelsey Leibelsperger (Fleetwood, PA / Fleetwood) each had defensive saves, while senior Julianne Jones (Middlebrg, PA / Midd-West) proved that she is one of the top keepers in the nation. Facing off against one of the best goalies in the conference, Jones had a tremendous game in the cage for the Eagles as she made six saves, five coming in overtime. Her strong play has carried the Eagles all season and she came up huge tonight for her team.
Playing in their third double overtime game of the week, as well as the eighth overtime game of the season, the Eagles showed the poise and resiliency that has characterized this team all season. Even when down one of their top defenders in overtime, the Eagles were never deterred. Head coach Caroline Gillich spoke about her team's grit after the game, "We were up against the ropes for 97 minutes until we finally unleashed the blow that knocked them out and scored that goal. I could not be more proud of this group of women, who kept believing through everything that happened in the game. This was truly, one of the most difficult games that we've ever played. Most amazing team ever. Such resiliency, such strength to battle through three double overtime games in a week and winning them all. Starting the week and ending the week with a win over Catholic in the conference championship and in between beating E-town is absolutely phenomenal. Absolutely, the biggest shutout we've ever had for sure. Defense wins championships. The defense truly won the championship."
Juniata had only one shot, but it would prove to be the most important one of the game as Alexander scored the game-winner. The forward, a freshman, has played like an upper classman all season. She finished the season third on the team in goals scored and has been a major factor in the team's run to the title. Said Gillich on the goal, "We had one opportunity, we took that one shot and that one shot scored."
The win marks the fifth time Juniata has won the Landmark Conference title and the fifth time the Eagles defeated Catholic on their turf to claim the title. The victory was also the 200th of Gillich's career. Speaking about the milestone, the coach had this to say, "It's hard to fathom. It's certainly a championship that I will never, ever forget. The fact that it's my 200th win is a tremendous thing. I didn't want to tell the girls at all. I could not have asked for a more perfect gift for my 200th win. Just to share the field with each one of these women and to watch them battle through everything that they did and come out victorious. Such an exciting day, such an exciting week. And now, we continue on, practice, and prepare for the NCAA tournament." The team will find out who they will play when the tournament field is announced Sunday night.
