Schmidt's two goals keep field hockey undefeated in Ivy

After the final whistle blew in Sunday's game against Villanova, the field hockey team felt quite different than it had a mere 48 hours before. Friday ended in jubilation after the Tigers beat Cornell, 2-1, to remain the only undefeated team in the Ivy League. But Sunday ended in disappointment, as Princeton lost, 3-2, to a tough Villanova team.

Going into the weekend, the Tigers (5-5 overall, 4-0 Ivy League) felt confident, but they also felt like they still had a lot to prove as a team. In Friday night's win against Cornell (5-3, 3-1), Princeton showed it has the ability to win in crucial situations.

The first half of the game was dominated by sophomore midfielder Paige Schmidt, who scored twice in the first 17 minutes. After the Big Red had a few scoring chances very early in the game, the Tigers started to produce offensively. Schmidt's first goal came with 31 minutes, 55 seconds left in the half. Senior midfielder Hillary Schmidt passed the ball to her sister off the corner, and Paige Schmidt's shot flew past Cornell goalie Lizzie Goldblatt.

Eight minutes later, Paige Schmidt scored her second goal, a brilliantly played shot from the corner of the arc. After receiving a pass from sophomore midfielder Nicole Ng, she faked a shot that fooled Cornell's defense. Taking advantage of the defensive confusion, she quickly moved up to the corner of the arc and shot the ball straight past Goldblatt.

The first half ended with Princeton ahead, 2-0. Offensively, the Tigers created a few more scoring chances, but they were unable to ultimately capitalize on them. Junior goalie Allison Nemeth turned in a solid half and ended the game with two saves.

The Big Red scored with 8:30 left in the game. After a questionable high sticking call on Princeton, Cornell sophomore attack Lizzie Auer floated the ball over Nemeth's head for the Big Red's only goal of the game.

Perhaps the best move of the game was that of Tiger head coach Kristen Holmes-Winn. Immediately after Cornell's goal, she called a timeout. Princeton regrouped and kept its composure the rest of the game, not allowing the Big Red to convert any more of its shots. Senior midfielder Maren Ford had a strong game, firing four shots on goal, second only to Paige Schmidt's six.

The Tigers demonstrated that they are able to stand up to a team of equal caliber in a game of critical importance. They played well on both sides of the ball under immense pressure to keep their league winning streak alive.

Sunday's game against No. 15 Villanova (10-2, 2-0 Big East) ended in disappointment for Princeton, though. The Tigers continued their struggles in non-league play, losing 3-2.

The first half of the game against Villanova was extremely fast-paced, as both teams had a number of good shots on goal. The Wildcats tallied the first goal, scoring within the first five minutes of the opening half. Villanova sophomore Stephanie Campbell scored off a penalty corner, thanks to an assist from forward Sarah Schmidt.

Hillary Schmidt tied the game for Princeton six minutes later. After a shot by Paige Schmidt was blocked, her sister was able to capitalize off the rebound, and the ball sailed by Wildcat goalie Erin Scott.

But Villanova quick to score again. This time, Catherine Somits scored. After Nemeth blocked a penalty shot, Somits was able to get the rebound and score.

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The Tigers stuck right with Villanova, scoring again 10 minutes later. Freshman attack Katie Kinzer redirected a shot by freshman midfielder Sarah Reinprecht to make the game 2-2.

Still in the first half, the Wildcats' senior forward Rory Rogers scored an unassisted goal from the top of the arc that squeaked by Nemeth. The half ended with Villanova ahead, 3-2.

Injuries surpassed scoring in the second half, as neither team could find the net despite numerous opportunities. Princeton senior defender Liz Miller was hit in the face with a ball and had to leave the game due to bleeding. Ng also left the field limping and spent the rest of the game with an ice pack on her knee, cheering on her team.

Though the Tigers fell short against the Wildcats, their game against Cornell was the more important contest of the weekend — thanks to the victory over the Big Red, Princeton is now alone at the top of the Ivy League standings.

The Tigers have two weeks off from Ivy play, with their next matchup coming Friday at 6 p.m. against Hofstra at Class of 1952 Stadium.