Heartbreak for Bermuda as Late Penalty Seals Defeat
Jessia Hollis on the Ball
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Women’s National Field Hockey team faced a crucial encounter in their Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament campaign, taking on Puerto Rico with hopes of boosting their chances of advancing. However, despite a spirited performance, heartbreak struck late as Puerto Rico snatched a 2-1 victory with a late penalty stroke.
Puerto Rico 2 Bermuda 1
Puerto Rico Starting Line-Up: - Anyia Woods, Lyneishka Leon, Maria Pianetti, Andrielys Lopez, Alexis Morales, Antonina Aponte, Sheila Vazquez, Carina Ramirez, Nadia Briddell, Zoe Norton, Abigail Johnson - Substitutes: - Sophia Prianti, Tabatha Aponte, Tyra Cream, Nilvia Vazquez, Jade Salas- Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Christina Stephens-Weser, Alyssa DeSilva, Elizabeth Stewart, Grace Lightowler, Mackenzie Heaney, Jessica Hollis, Chrysda Smith, Jennifer Chisnall, Cindi Davis, Elizabeth Davidson, Amber McHugh - Substitute: - Georgia Harris, Robin Stempel, Megan Troake, Abigail Brewer, Zaynab Brown
Puerto Rico drew first blood early in the match. In the 4th minute, Maria Pianetti found the back of the net with a well-placed Field Goal, beating the Bermuda keeper with a shot from near the penalty spot.
Bermuda responded strongly in the second period, drawing level in the 23rd minute through a well-executed Penalty Corner. Elizabeth Stewart provided the crucial pass to Jessica Hollis, who calmly slotted a low shot past the keeper and a defender positioned on the goal line.
The third period saw a tense battle unfold, with both teams vying for the crucial go-ahead goal. However, neither side could break the deadlock, setting up a nail-biting final quarter.
With time ticking down and the game seemingly headed for a draw, heartbreak struck for Bermuda. Puerto Rico were awarded a Penalty Stroke in the 59th minute, and Alexis Morales stepped up to calmly convert, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory for Puerto Rico in the dying moments.
This late defeat will be a bitter pill to swallow for Bermuda, who showed great resilience to come back into the match. They will now need to quickly regroup and focus on their remaining fixtures in the CAC Games Qualifying Tournament to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
