Mere hours after being selected as captains of the field hockey team, it was the newly-appointed leaders who shined the brightest in Quinnipiac’s 4-2 win over the rival Yale Bulldogs. Midfielder Dayna Barlow, forward Michelle Federico, and goaltender Livy Golini all played crucial roles for the Bobcats, who notched their first victory of the season, as well as their first victory at the brand new Quinnipiac Field Hockey Turf Complex.

“Pretty important,” head coach Becca Main said about the team’s first victory at their new home. “Our men’s and women’s soccer teams have already done it, so you never want to be the one who hasn’t done it or the last one. We are the last one, but we’ve done it in grand fashion.”

Quinnipiac dominated much of the first half, outshooting Yale 9-1 and outscoring them 2-0 in the first 35 minutes. After halftime, Yale made some adjustments, scrapping across nine shots and two late goals, but Quinnipiac stood tall when it mattered the most and added some insurance that helped result in the Bobcats emerging victorious.

Despite some inconsistent play in the early going of the season, the Bobcats put together a complete effort from start to finish today.

“I think we played some really great moments of hockey up until now,” Main said. “We had some great halves, we had some great games, but to put it all together. It’s a learning experience as we move forward.”

In particular, the play of the Bobcats’ newly-appointed captains really stood out. Golini shut the door late through an onslaught of Yale chances, Federico tallied an assist, and Barlow was all over the field, scoring on both her shot attempts. Coach Main was asked about Barlow’s impact on the team, both on and off the field.

“I’m able to turn to [Barlow] and say, ‘This is what I need from you, and I need to have it now,’ and then she does it. She really led the charge this week at practice. She really was instrumental. She doesn’t just talk the talk, she walked the walk today.”

Barlow was more than appreciative of the praise.

“It means a lot that Becca Main has confidence in me and named me as a captain,” Barlow said. I just feel very honored with that, and very respectful towards her.”

It was a total team effort for the Bobcats, who didn’t deny how special it was to pick up their first win against their crosstown rivals.

“If I could pick the opponent that I’d want to have that first win on, it would be Yale,” quipped coach Main. “It’s a Quinnipiac thing, and for us it’s a really wonderful feeling. The monkey is off our back.”

The Bobcats (1-4) will look to build on their success with another game just 24 hours later, at Hofstra (2-3). It will be a good test for the resurgent Bobcats, who next return home on Sunday, September 17 against Monmouth (3-2).