Blue Hens Win CAA Championship In 3-2 Overtime Victory Over James Madison

Saturday, April 24

Newark, DE

1 pm

University of Delaware

(5-3)

James Madison

(6-2)

JMU

Photo by: Mark Campbell

Blue Hens Win CAA Championship In 3-2 Overtime Victory Over James Madison

4/24/2021 5:45:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

Game Photo Album

NEWARK, Del. - The Delaware field hockey team defeated James Madison 3-2 in overtime on Saturday in the CAA Championship game.

"Wow – what a game! I am so proud of this team for deciding to fight themselves back into the game after being down 2-0 and finding a way to win it," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "For the team to prevail, not only today but all during this COVID-crazy year, is amazing and a tribute to our players group and the coaching and support staff."

Femke Strien scored the game winning goal 6:56 into overtime, assisted by Emily Kresho, to capture the Blue Hens ninth program title.

Julia Duffhuis scored the game-tying point off of a penalty corner with less than a minute left in play, assisted by Ashlyn Carr and Emily Kresho, to send the game into overtime.

Ashlyn Carr put the Blue Hens on the board in the 39^th minute with a shot from the top of the circle, assisted by Emily Kresho.

Strien's game winner secured her the 2020 Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Strong performances by Berber Bakermans, Lizzie Gaebel, and Grace Hoepfner also earned them spots on the All-Tournament team.

"This year's team can best be described as 'finding a way to advance and no desire to quit.' This team deserves a lot of respect for staying the course, embracing the need to adapt and be flexible, and never stop believing that they could make it work," continued van de Kerkhof, "We haven't played our best Delaware Hockey yet, but this CAA Tournament allowed us to take small steps forward. Now we are excited to count down to tonight's' NCAA Tournament Selection Show and learn where we are going to represent the University of Delaware in the national tournament!"

Delaware moves to 6-3 on the season and earns the CAA's automatic bid to the NCAA Field Hockey Championship. The Blue Hens will find out who they will face in the NCAA Tournament tonight at 10 p.m. ET on the NCAA Selection Show on NCAA.com.