Junior forward/midfielder Charlotte Glasper gave Indiana field hockey the lead Friday, stealing the ball from Cornell University and scoring in the third quarter as the Hoosiers held on for a 2-1 win at Buckeye Varsity Field in Columbus, Ohio.
Indiana opened the scoring just two minutes into the game when the ball bounced off senior forward/midfielder Theresa Ricci’s stick and into the goal. The goal was Ricci’s first of the season.
Like the previous two games against New Hampshire University on Sept. 4 and Central Michigan University on Monday, the Hoosiers created several early chances inside the circle and consistently pressured Cornell’s defense with their forwards.
But Cornell settled into the game as the first quarter progressed, connecting on passes and creating more opportunities. However, Indiana’s defense held the Big Red to two shots in the quarter, as the Hoosiers produced four shots on the offensive end.
The Big Red controlled much of the play in the second quarter, while Indiana struggled to generate the same pressure it had early in the game. The Cream and Crimson earned their first penalty corner with 10:14 remaining, but Cornell stopped the opportunity. The Hoosiers earned another corner shortly after but could not convert.
The Big Red had another chance late in the half when freshman midfielder Rebecca Black’s shot bounced off the left post. They continued to create opportunities but could not capitalize, sending the game into halftime with Indiana still leading 1-0.
Cornell finally broke through early in the third quarter.
Indiana turned the ball over in transition, allowing Cornell to earn two penalty corners in quick succession. Junior forward Uma Käding scored off the second corner with 9:23 remaining in the quarter, with assists from senior midfielder Rease Coleman and senior forward Ashley Plzak.
The goal appeared to settle Indiana down. The Hoosiers began pressuring Cornell again, creating several chances and putting the Big Red on its heels.
Then Glasper made her biggest play of the game — she stole the ball from Cornell before immediately firing a shot to give Indiana a 2-1 lead. One of her teammates jumped on her and knocked her over in celebration.
Indiana carried the momentum into the fourth quarter and focused on protecting its lead. The Hoosiers slowed the pace and did not force chances, while their defense kept Cornell from creating dangerous opportunities.
Sophomore back Lily Freeman provided a strong defensive presence for Indiana, while senior midfielder Inés Garcia Prado continued to make plays on both ends of the field.
Cornell pulled its goalkeeper with three minutes remaining in an attempt to find an equalizer. The Big Red briefly put her back in when Indiana regained possession, then pulled her again with 44 seconds remaining.
Cornell earned a free hit with its goalkeeper off the field, but Garcia Prado intercepted the ball and helped Indiana regain possession.
From there, Indiana kept the ball and ran out the clock to secure the 2-1 victory.
The Hoosiers finished with a 14-8 advantage in shots and put eight shots on goal compared to Cornell’s four. The Big Red earned five penalty corners, well below its season average of 11 per game, while Indiana earned four.
Indiana will return to action Sunday when it travels to Muncie, Indiana, to face Ball State University on Sept. 13. The game will be streamed on ESPN+.
Follow reporter Jack Davis (@JackDavis0006 and jjd5@iu.edu) for updates throughout the Indiana field hockey season.
