The Good, the Bad & the Ugly - Penn field hockey vs. Yale

THE GOOD - Carly Sokach

Impressive would be an understatement for Carly Sokach’s performance in goal against Yale on Saturday afternoon. The junior goalkeeper – who reached the 100 save mark against Yale – posted 15 saves against the Bulldogs and registered her fourth shutout of the year – her second against an Ivy opponent. Sokach did everything in her power to deny the Bulldogs from getting on the board, swiping and kicking the ball away multiple times, and making several clutch diving saves. The Quakers have her to thank for their critical conference victory over Yale.

THE BAD - Lack of chances for Penn’s top scorers

Freshman Jasmine Cole and junior Emily Corcoran, the top two goal scorers in the Ivy League this year, combined for just one shot against the Bulldogs Saturday. Cole, who is usually very active in Penn’s offense, barely touched the ball in the first half, and was unable to capitalize on several second half chances*. Corcoran, who makes her living posting and maneuvering at the top of the circle, found it difficult to receive and control the ball where she usually does.

*Cole does get hustle points for pressuring Yale goalie Heather Schlesier on a loose ball and forcing her to send the ball out of bounds, which created a big Penn penalty corner at the end of the first overtime.

THE UGLY - Shot disadvantage & failed corners

Penn was outshot by the Bulldogs 27-14 – that’s basically doubled up. That discrepancy is a rarity for the Red and Blue squad this year, and can’t continue if the Quakers want to win out in Ivy League play. The Quakers also failed to convert on 14 penalty corners. The Yale defense certainly deserves credit, but there was some clear lack of execution on corners for the Quakers, and this team should be expected to convert on them more frequently.

- by Seamus Powers