The University of Victoria women's field hockey team headed to the east coast to take on a trio of NCAA Division I opponents, all belonging to the prestigious Ivy League. Facing Columbia University, Yale University, and the University of Pennsylvania, the Vikes went unbeaten in three matches ahead of beginning their Canada West season, Aug. 27-29. Recaps from the weekend can be found below.

Vikes 2, Columbia 1
August 27, 2022

The Vikes started out strong, with Anna Mollenhauer scoring on a penalty corner in the first quarter.  Pressuring the Lions defence, the Vikes forced a number of turnovers resulting in quick counter attacks and glorious scoring opportunities. The Columbia goalkeeper made a number of outstanding saves during the game!

In the third quarter, Columbia tied the game on a well-executed corner.  The Vikes fought back to score on an excellent backhand shot from Nora Struchtrup to put the Vikes ahead 2-1, sealing the win.

Vikes 1, Yale 1
August 28, 2022

The game was a physical affair, with both teams battling hard for the full 60 minutes. The Vikes' defensive line of Judy Cristante, Anna Mollenhauer, Libby Hogg, Julia Boraston, and Ali Drummond were very strong, making key tackles at opportune times throughout the match. Overall, it was another great team effort.

Jaden Dawson was the goal scorer for the Vikes.

Vikes 1, UPenn 1
August 29, 2022

After another long bus trip from New York City to Philadelphia, the Vikes played their final preseason match against UPenn, another competitive Ivy League team.  Despite playing in 35°C heat (plus humidity) at 4 p.m., the Vikes came out strong and had a couple of glorious scoring opportunities early in the game.  

Before the end of the first quarter, the Vikes were awarded a corner and Anna Mollenhauer fired the ball into the back of the net. Late in the second quarter, UPenn capitalized on a fast break opportunity to tie the game 1-1. 

During the second half, the two sides traded scoring opportunities.  With 16 seconds left in the game, and with the UPenn goalie pulled, a corner was awarded to the Vikes. Unfortunately for UVic, the shot sailed wide of the net and the game ended in a tie, 1-1.