BUFFALO, N.Y. — D'Youville field hockey battled through a high-pressure attack from Maryville (Mo.) on Monday, earning a 3-1 victory behind timely scoring and a standout defensive performance from goalkeeper Sarah Reifsnyder.
The Saints jumped in front early when Madisyn Grawl scored at 1:42 off an assist from Jimena Loustalot. Maryville responded with consistent offensive pressure, but Reifsnyder turned aside three shots in the opening quarter to preserve D'Youville's 1-0 advantage.
Maryville continued to control possession and pressure the Saints in the second quarter, earning five penalty corners and four shots. D'Youville's defense remained composed, with Reifsnyder making another key save in the final minute of the half to send the Saints into halftime with the lead intact.
The visitors eventually tied the game early in the third quarter, but D'Youville answered less than a minute later. Rowynn Pickering scored at 35:44 to put the Saints back in front, 2-1. Reifsnyder continued to anchor the defense, making two more saves in the quarter, including one following a Maryville penalty corner.
D'Youville added an insurance goal early in the fourth quarter when Addyson Trimbell scored at 53:09 off an assist from Sofia Toyos. The Saints created additional opportunities through a series of penalty corners before Reifsnyder and the defense shut down Maryville's final push to secure the 3-1 victory.
Despite being outshot 23-9, D'Youville put eight of its nine shots on goal and received a tremendous performance from Reifsnyder, who recorded 13 saves over 60 minutes while allowing just one goal.
Pickering scored the game-winning goal and put all three of her shots on target. Grawl opened the scoring and finished with two shots on goal, while Trimbell scored on her lone shot attempt.
NEXT UP: D'Youville field hockey hits the road on Saturday, September 12, traveling to Indiana University of Pennsylvania for a 3:30 p.m. matchup.
