IN the Women’s EY Hockey League, Loreto took top spot and remain the only side to maintain a perfect record. Old Alex and Ards grab statement wins as they keep pace with the league leaders.
Loreto maintained their perfect league start with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over UCC. The Cork students made things difficult for their Dublin counterparts, keeping the score at 1-0 going into the final quarter. Loreto took their late chances to eventually run out 3-0 victors thanks to goals from Siofra O’Brien and Captain Mia Jennings.
Old Alex grabbed themselves a statement victory over last season’s EYHL runners-up Railway Union. Two penalty corners gave Old Alex a 2-0 lead. Róisín Upton got Railway back in contention with 20 minutes left on the clock, but Alex stood firm to take all 3pts.
Newly promoted Ards also made their mark with a 2-0 victory of their own. Rachel Houston put the home side ahead after 20 minutes. Zara Malseed secured the victory with another goal to add to her tally with four minutes still to play.
Ulster Elks, Pegasus, UCD and Catholic Institute had to settle for draws in Round 3. Pegasus and Elks went to battle in an exhilarating tie which saw Elks go ahead on three separate occasions. Pegasus fought level every time, with the game ending 3-3. In the Shootout to determine who would get the bonus point Elks held their nerve to run out 4-2 victors in front of a home crowd.
UCD dug deep in front of their home crowd to hold Catholic Institute to a goalless draw in regular time. The students, however, had to settle for just the one point, with Catholic Institute showing their experience to comfortably win the Shootout 2-4.
The results mean Loreto go top of the table with 9 points, just 1 point ahead of Limerick side Catholic Institute who are yet to record a loss. Old Alex sit just behind on 7pts, showing an early statement of intent from them. College sides UCC prop up the table, yet to record a point but showing signs of improvement week on week. UCD sit just above them on 1pt thanks to their draw.
