Two Freshmen Field Hockey Goalkeepers Battle Out A Starting Spot

By Nick Luttrell

CitrusTV Field Hockey Beat Reporter

Louise Pert and Brooke Borzymowski both combined to record back-to-back shutout wins to start the season. While Pert got the start in each game, Borzymowski always came in during the second half to finish off the win for the Orange. 

Head Coach Ange Bradley wanted a clear starter to be revealed, but that wasn’t what she got. Instead, it was the SU offense that dominated in both games and a defense that gave up only two shots on goal in both games combined. Neither goalkeeper was pressured at all in either game making it harder to determine who should be the #1 goalkeeper.

The next game at Rutgers got a little tighter for the goalies. This time, it was Borzymowski that got the start for SU and gave up a goal in the first half. But when Pert was put in for the second half, she also allowed a goal. The goalie competition continued into overtime as Borzymowski was put into the game but gave up the game-winning goal. 

Now we arrive at last week’s game at Rutgers. Coach Bradley decided that they would just stick with one goalie and her name was Brooke Borzymowski. Despite being pressured all game long, Borzymowski racked up 11 saves on 18 shots faced but also gave up three goals. Her performance raised many questions. Should she now be the undisputed starting goalkeeper because of her career day? Or is allowing three goals enough to give Pert another shot?

Coach Bradley answered that question two days later as she started Pert against #12 UConn. An easier opponent than #8 Rutgers led the Syracuse offense to turn it into high gear and score five goals. Which in result, led to fewer pressure-packed moments for Pert. The Scarlet Knights put up 11 shots and Pert saved three but also allowed three goals

Now the question becomes who should get the start tonight at Boston College. One could say that Louise Pert is the better option. In all games that she has started, Syracuse has won. On the other side, you could say that Borzymowski is a much better fit for the team. Despite being 0-2 in starts, she has bolstered a 78% save rate. 

Syracuse (3-2) will look to pull the upset tomorrow afternoon as they open up conference play at #3 Boston College. You can watch that game on the ACC Network or you can follow my Twitter for live updates throughout the game.

@nickluttie | naluttre@syr.edu