Tough luck has been the mantra for the women’s field hockey team so far this season as they dropped another game to Yale this past Friday, 1-0.

The Raiders took to the University of Maine’s turf looking to put together enough quality play to constitute a win, but unfortunately, it seems that while the women have the defensive side of their game perfected, their offensive play is still lacking. The Raiders were out-shot by the Bulldogs 12-6, while only three of Colgate’s shots were on net. All shots on goal were taken by first-year Courtney Burke.

In spite of the strongest defensive effort posted by the Raiders so far this season, Yale’s Ashley McCauley tapped one by senior captain and goalie Sarah Pedersen in the 32nd minute. Through the combined efforts of Pedersen and the rest of the Raider’s defensive unit, the rest of the game was a shutout.

While the Raiders seem to have pulled together their defensive unit, offense continues to be the Achilles heel of the team. This offensive stumbling point is reparable, however. The Raiders simply need to limit their number of turnovers.

“Offensively, we turn the ball over too much with what I would call unforced errors,” HeadCoach Cathy Foto said. “We have to limit our turnovers.”

If the ladies can begin to make use of their corner hits and try to cut back on their turnovers, improvement looms in the future.

“To improve we will need to continue to work hard, and more importantly, work smart.” Coach Foto said.

The women make their homecoming this Friday, September 18, when they take on Lock Haven University at 4 p.m. on Tyler’s Field.