The Flames Field Hockey team secured a spot in the Big East Championship for the ninth year in a row with a commanding 6-0 victory against Georgetown University Nov. 1.
The triumph, marked by a powerful offensive display and solid defensive effort, not only improved Liberty University’s postseason outlook, but also emphasized how strong its position is in the conference.
Liberty took the lead early in the sixth minute when redshirt sophomore forward Tori Griffiths deflected a shot from teammate senior forward Martu Cian past Georgetown sophomore goalkeeper Ella Fahey, establishing a dominant tone for the match. Throughout the first half, Liberty maintained pressure with graduate midfielder Reagan Underwood successfully blocking Georgetown’s initial scoring attempt. The Flames held on to their lead, finishing the first half with a score of 1-0.
The offensive onslaught continued in the second quarter, where Liberty scored four goals in just over five minutes. Senior midfielder Ellie Livingston began the scoring spree by redirecting a penalty corner from freshman defender Dara Semmartin into the cage from the right side at the 24:11 mark. Livingston also achieved a career-high with her second goal of the match, bringing her season total to five.
“Ultimately, the outcome is all up to God,” Livingston told Liberty Flames Sports Network. “So, we ultimately gave it up all to him.”
Photo by Anna Wheat | @annawheatphotography
Freshman midfielder Josefina Tomasi followed her teammates’ lead, scoring an unassisted goal at the 25:39 mark by landing a ball in the right side of the cage. The offensive explosion continued as Griffiths found the net again at the 26:03 mark, leading into a second goal by Livingston, which brought the score to 5-0 at halftime.
These fireworks showcased Liberty’s depth as junior forward Lou Combrinck also tallied her eighth goal of the season, the second-most among the Lady Flames. This final point brought the score to 6-0 and finished the third period.
“All of those goals are a testament to our teamwork,” Livingston said. “No one scores a goal by themselves.”
Rounding out the match defensively, Liberty showcased its skills by shutting down Georgetown’s offense. Flames redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Michaela Skinner remained vigilant and poised. Liberty outshot Georgetown 25-2 and held a 15-1 lead in shots on goal.
Head Coach Nikki Parsley-Blocker told Liberty Flames Sports Network postgame how proud she is of the girls’ success.
“It’s so easy to take the Big East Championship for granted when you’ve done it every single year,” Parsley-Blocker said.
Parsley-Blocker added that the execution can be challenging at times; however, the team consistently prevails.
“Our response to adversity is not always perfect, but just getting stronger and stronger,” Parsley-Blocker said. “And I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this group.”
With this victory, Liberty improved its all-time winning streak to 11-0 against Georgetown and 8-0 since joining the Big East.
Next up, Liberty will be challenged as it faces the No. 1 seed, the University of Connecticut, in the Big East Field Hockey Championship semifinals. The battle will take place Friday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. in Providence, Rhode Island. In their last meeting Oct. 25, the Huskies defeated the Flames 2-1 in overtime.
Jolly is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion.