Selenski Logs Another Assist in USA Loss

Story Links

Aug. 4, 2012

LONDON – The United States field hockey team battled against Pool B-leading New Zealand, but the Americans came up a goal shy, falling 3-2 in the second-to-last game of pool play. Even with a victory on Monday, the Americans cannot earn enough points to finish in the top two spots and advance to the semifinals.

Team USA fell behind early with New Zealand scoring on a penalty corner less than two minutes into the contest. UVa’s senior Paige Selenski helped the Americans answer. Selenski got the ball in front of the net to Katie O’Donnell who knocked it in for the equalizer.

The score was knotted 2-2 at the break and stayed that way with both the US and New Zealand squads applying pressure in the second half. New Zealand broke the tie with less than six minutes left in the game after getting a great drag off a penalty corner.

The US, despite pulling their goalkeeper to gain an extra attacker, did not get another shot for the remainder of the game. Overall, New Zealand outshot the US 20-2 with the Americans scoring on both of their shots.

New Zealand and Australia are tied at the top of Pool B with 9 points apiece (three wins). Argentina and Germany are tied for third with six points apiece (two wins). The United States is in fifth with the three points it earned with a victory over Argentina. South Africa is in sixth with zero points.

Team USA, including Selenski and her Cavalier teammate Michelle Vittese, will wrap up their Olympic competition on Monday, taking on the winless South African squad. The two teams square off at 5:45 a.m. Eastern Time.