The #14 Albany Great Danes got a third quarter game winning goal from Eva Jenniskens on Friday afternoon, and topped the Maine Black Bears 2-1 in America East action at the Maine Field Hockey Complex in Orono. The victory gives Albany the hosting rights for the upcoming conference playoffs.
After a scoreless first quarter, Albany (13-3, 5-0 America East) opened the scoring on a goal from Blanca Orsolo in the second. After a foul on Maine, Alison Smisdom passed to Charlotte Triggs. Triggs saw Orsolo in the circle and set up a one-touch shot that found the back of the cage 10:02 into the period for a 1-0 halftime lead. Jenniskens scored her game winner 4:52 into the third quarter off a penalty corner feed from Floor De Ruiter. Maine got their lone tally of the afternoon 3:18 into the fourth by Zoe Furber, but couldn’t find the equalizer in suffering their third straight defeat.
Jayde Temby made nine saves in the loss for Maine, who falls to 9-8 and 2-3 in America East. Micaela Grajales and Saylor Kuefler each picked up an assist on the goal by Furber. Triggs and De Ruiter had one assist a piece for Albany, and Lara Behn made three stops in net. The Great Danes also assured themselves of at least a share of the regular season conference championship, and will host the postseason tournament in Albany November 7-10. Maine who is currently 5th, has already clinched a spot in the playoffs and will finish up the regular season next Friday on Senior Day at 3 p.m. when they play host to UNH.
