CORTLAND, N.Y. — Rochester freshman Grayson Honig scored 1 minute, 32 seconds into the first overtime period Wednesday to give the Yellowjackets a 1-0 victory over visiting SUNY Cortland in non-league field hockey action. Cortland slipped to 2-4 on the season, while Rochester improved to 7-1. Photo Credit: EDL Photography
The match, played before a captive home crowd, proved tightly contested from the opening whistle. Neither team managed a goal in regulation time, as both defenses held firm and goalkeepers stood tall. Cortland’s Emma Morgan, a senior from Whitney Point, made seven saves, including two in the fourth quarter and one in overtime. Rochester goalie Kara Houston earned the shutout with two saves.
Overtime Drama Decides Tight Contest
Over time, saw the momentum shift in favor of Rochester. After an early penalty corner for Rochester, Cortland stymied an initial shot attempt, but could not fully clear the danger. Shortly thereafter, Sophia Cuneo sent a crossing pass into the circle, where Honig pounced on a scramble and tapped the ball into the net. It was Honig’s third goal of the season.
Cortland had opportunities in overtime as well. Two shot attempts were blocked before Rochester finally broke through. Throughout the match, Cortland trailed slightly in key statistical categories: Rochester out-shot the Red Dragons 13-9 overall and held a slim 6-5 advantage in penalty corners.
Morgan’s Strong Performance
Morgan’s performance in goal kept Cortland alive deep into the game. Her seven saves spanned regulation and overtime, highlighted by her work in the fourth quarter when Rochester applied significant offensive pressure. Despite the loss, the goalkeeping display was one of Cortland’s few bright spots.
Overall Team Play and Pressure
Cortland’s offense, while limited in shots on goal, with only three compared with Rochester’s eight, continued to work hard to generate chances. Key players such as Sadie Hoffmann, Lillian Morse, Anna McCarthy, and Olivia Specht contributed to shot attempts. Hoffmann led the Red Dragons with six shots, though few forced major saves or scoring opportunities.
Defensively, Cortland frustrated Rochester for long stretches, particularly in the first three quarters when Rochester failed to score, though they controlled possession and field space.
Season Context and Implications]
With the loss, Cortland drops to 2-4 overall. Although non-league, this match marks their third one-goal defeat of the season, underscoring how narrow the margins have been in several games. Conversely, the Red Dragons are now 2-1 this season against nationally ranked opponents, a record that suggests they can compete at a high level even if the results have not always tipped their way.
Rochester improves to 7-1, their only loss coming earlier in the season. The win reinforces their ranking as No. 23 in the national poll, showing they can win close games away from home.
Looking Ahead
Cortland returns home to face William Smith on Saturday at 1 p.m. The Red Dragons will seek to bounce back with a win, sharpen their attacking efficiency, and avoid letting opportunities slip away in tight games.
Rochester will build on the momentum, confident that their defense and clutch scoring can carry it through overtime drama when necessary. Fans can expect competitive play as the season progresses and rankings tighten.