Drexel Field Hockey win CAA Championship 2-1 in OT

admin Last updated on: February 17, 2024

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Drexel won a thriller 2-1 in overtime over Northeastern to grab the university’s first ever CAA Field Hockey Championship. The winner came three minutes into overtime from Christina Conrad and was assisted by Amanda Fleischut. The Dragon’s first goal was scored by Fleichut in an unassisted effort. Drexel, with the win earned an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament, that will begin next weekend.

Amanda Fleischut’s great play in the championship helped her earn the Most Outstanding Performer award. Also strong play from Dutch born goalkeeper Jantien Gunter saw her earn honors as top goalkeeper in the tournament. The Sophomore from Groningen, Netherlands had a solid overall season, with six shut outs and 1.52 GAA on the year.

Northeastern opened the scoring and took a 1-0 lead with a goal from Deirdre Duke that was set up by Crystal Poland in the fourth minute of play. After receiving the pass, Duke goalkeeper Jantien Gunter, in a one-on-one, sneaked up and shot the ball into the lower right corner. Drexel never got down and answered with a goal by Fleischut in the 32nd minute to lock the game up. Fleischut took her shot from inside the arch that deflected off a NU defender and went past senior goalkeeper Lizzie Priest.

The second half was a battle of defenses with neither team able to get on the board, leading to overtime with the score deadlocked at 1-1. Coming up huge in the second half was Drexel’s goalkeeper Jantien Gunter as she had two saves against NU in the second half. Two minutes into overtime, Drexel was given a penalty corner and fired a shot that hit a NU defender’s foot. This gave Drexel a second consecutive penalty corner. With the second PC, Fleischut took the pass at the top of the key and faked a shot which drew the NU defense out from the cage. Fleischut smartly passed the ball to Conrad and she blasted a shot down the middle of the cage, giving Drexel 2-1 victory.

CAA All-Championship Team

Deirdre Duke, Northeastern

Jantien Gunter, Drexel

Carley Hecht, Delaware

Lauren Hibshman, Drexel

Lindsay McArdle, Drexel

Michaela Patzner, Delaware

Crystal Poland, Northeastern

Christine Tase, Northeastern

Rachel Wein, James Madison

Taylor West, James Madison

Most Outstanding Performer: Amanda Fleischut, Drexel