The Quinnipiac Bobcats (0-4, 0-0 BIG EAST) welcome their in-state rivals, the Yale Bulldogs (1-0, 0-0 Ivy League), to the Field Hockey Turf Complex in Hamden on Friday at 3 p.m. This game is a battle between two programs going in opposite trajectories to open up their respective seasons. Quinnipiac is winless on the year, coming off of a 2-0 home loss to Holy Cross. Meanwhile, Yale recorded a 6-2 win against Sacred Heart in their only contest of the season. The Bulldogs sport an 11-6 record all-time against their in-state rivals, but have a 2-4 lifetime record in games that were played in Hamden.
Players to Watch
Quinnipiac – Livy Golini (Sophomore Goalie)
If Quinnipiac wants to have a chance to win this game, Livy Golini needs to be stellar. Although she has an 0-4 record on the year, Golini has exceeded expectations in between the posts. Totaling 28 saves in four contests, her outstanding thirteen save effort against Maine is the pick of the bunch. She already has a wealth of experience, as she started all 17 games she played in as a freshman, as well as the four prior contests to begin this season. Quinnipiac will need composure, confidence, and moments of magic from their goaltender to slow down Yale’s attack and record their first win of the season.
Yale – Carol Middough (Senior Forward/Middie)
Carol Middough is on a tear. In her first action of the season, Middough had a hat trick against Sacred Heart. The Ivy League Player of the Week capped off her hat trick performance with an assist and five total shots. Yale will go as far offensively as Middough will take them. In her sophomore and junior seasons, the Oceanport, New Jersey native led her squad in goals and points. Dating back to last season, she has scored in five of her last eight games. If Livy Golini and her backline give Middough time and space to operate in, it could spell serious trouble for the Bobcats.
Keys to the Game
Quinnipiac – Contain Middough
As mentioned before, Middough is a dangerous player who can cause havoc on the offensive end against any team on Yale’s schedule. Bridget Condie, Holly Jackson and Brooke Reese are also on the scoresheet this season and are more than capable of creating their opportunities. However, Middough is the catalyst of the Bulldog offense. If Quinnipiac can shut her down, the creative responsibility will fall to the trio mentioned above and Imogen Davis, a gifted passer with two assists on the season. Yale has other weapons on the offensive end that can cause trouble for Becca Main’s squad, but slowing down Carol Middough is a must if Quinnipiac wants to win this game.
Yale – Protect the Freshman
The biggest question mark heading into Yale’s season revolved around arguably the most important in the sport: who will be their starting goalie come their opening game? Replacing graduated Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year Emma Katz is no easy task, and freshman Sydney Terroso is well aware of this. Terroso fared well in goal in her first career collegiate game, where she only conceded twice to Sacred Heart. However, Terroso has not experienced playing in a rivalry match in her young career. Any nerves or shaky play can open up the game for the Bobcats to pounce. It will be up to Yale’s seasoned defense to make sure their freshman net-minder can focus on doing her job of picking up the win.
The Game
Be sure to tune in to QBSN’s live broadcast of Quinnipiac vs. Yale from the Field Hockey Turf Complex in Hamden. Jonathan Banks and Bryan Schwartz will be on the call for this matchup. To receive updates during the game, follow our @QBSN reporters on Twitter: @jonathanbanks8_ , and @bryanschwartz15.
Link to the game: http://www.quinnipiacbobcats.com/watch/?Live=401&type=Live
