READING, Pa. - The Albright field hockey team (8-9, 4-4 MAC Commonwealth) defeated Eastern University (4-13, 1-7 MAC Commonwealth) by a final score of 1-0 on Wednesday evening. With the win the Lions have clinched a playoff spot in the MAC Commonwealth playoffs as the fifth seed.
With a win tonight, the Lions have clinched the fifth and final MAC Commonwealth playoff spot. It is the first postseason appearance for Albright since the 2017 season. In Coach Wiese's first season at the helm she has led Albright back to postseason play.
Tonight's game featured a lot of midfield play and timely offense from the Lions. Albright controlled the majority of the game in terms of possession.
The first half only saw two total shots, both were on frame and both were taken by Albright. However Albright could not solve the Eastern goalie and the game remained scoreless at halftime.
The Lions kept the pressure on in the third period but still found themselves tied at 0-0 with Eastern.
Just as soon as the game turned to the fourth quarter Albright got on the board. Off a penalty corner Laurel Gingrich played it to Olivia Lorah who played the ball in to Lamya Mejias and she was able to do the rest. After gathering herself Mejias fired the shot and beat the Eagle keeper to put the Lions up for good.
For Mejias it was her second straight game with a game winning goal.
Albright held the shot advantage 12-4 and the penalty corner advantage 11-3.
After the game, Coach Co said, "Tonight was a special night. Not only was it our fourth straight win but this win solidified a spot in the playoffs for us. I could not be more proud of this team. When we came together during preseason, our goal was to make playoffs and to see their hard work really pay off, is pretty incredible. This is a special group of girls and I can't wait to see what happens to this team during post season play!"
Up Next:
Albright's season moves on to the postseason and will now await their next opponent. To stay up to date on where, when and who the Lions will play next click here for all your 2022 MAC Commonwealth field hockey Championship needs.
