PEGASUS and Ards drew 2-2, with Pegasus winning on a shootout, while Ulster Elks went down 2-0 to visitors Loreto on the opening weekend of the EY All Ireland hockey league.
Defending EYHL Champions, Loreto, journeyed north to Ulster University to take on Ulster Elks as they began their title defence. The visitors took the lead through Rachel Kelly who scored from open play in the 38th minute. Caitlin Sherin got a second goal two minutes from time when she converted a penalty corner to secure a 2-0 win and give the defending champions a solid away win.
ULSTER ELKS: Gemma Ferguson (GK); Anna Mollenhauer; Lucy McKimm; Lucy Craig; Shannon McNellis; Jessica McMaster; Ellie Stewart; Kirsty McLarnon; Audrey Sawers; Gabriella Scott (C); Sarah Alexander. Subs used: Zahra Lowry [8 mins]; Leah McGuire [9 mins]; Katie Craig [9 mins]: Bethany Scott [9 mins]; Nieve Caldwell [23 mins]
LORETO : Lizzie Murphy (GK); Ella Pasley; Lisa Mulcahy; Síofra O’Brien; Grace McLoughlin; Caitlin Sherin; Yasmin Pratt; Grace Donald; Christina Hamill; Emily Kealy; Rachel Kelly. Subs used: Nicola Torrans [6 mins]; Rebekah Fitzpatrick [9 mins]; Zoe Dunne [10 mins]; Mollie Lennon [11 mins]; Katie Dunne [12 mins]
PEGASUS 2 ARDS 2
A thrilling Ulster derby ended in a stalemate, with Pegasus securing a bonus point under the new format. New to the EYHL Divisions in 2024/25 season, in the event of a draw both teams will be awarded a point each, proceeded by a 1v1 shoot out for a chance to secure a bonus point.
Pegasus took an early lead when Katie McKee converted a penalty corner in the seventh minute on her return to her home club. Ards equalised through Zara Malseed against her former club from open play in the 21st minute to leave the score 1-1.
Alex Speers restored Pegasus’ lead in the 62nd minute when she converted a penalty corner to make it 2-1.
In the closing minute, when it looked like Pegasus had done enough to secure the win Zara Malseed came back to haunt her former club, converting a penalty corner to make it 2-2. And so it went to a shoot-out.
After both sides missed their opening shots, Lucy McKee gave Pegasus a 1-0 lead. Ards missed their second effort and Megan Todd saved their third effort. Ruth McCandless missed Pegasus fourth effort. Megan Todd saved Ards’ fourth Effort and Katie McKee scored the final penalty to win the game 2-0
PEGASUS: Megan Todd (GK); Katie McKee; Ruth McCandless (C); Taite Doherty; Lucy McKee; Anna Pim; Rosie Henderson; Alex Speers; Katie McDonald; Gemma Hassan; Emma Quinn. Subs used: Sophie McDowell [7 mins]; Olivia Berry [7 mins]; Emma Gregson [14 mins]
ARDS: Naomi McKnight (GK); Faye Tice; Ellen Robinson; Naomi Grundie; Alyssa Boyd; Emma Reid; Zara Malseed; Rachel Houston; Susannah Cotter; Alana Doyle (C); Erin Getty. Subs used: Maddie Leathem [10 mins]; Georgia Thornton [10 mins]; Francesca Brown [14 mins]; Rebecca Ellie Beggs [18 mins]
OTHER RESULTS: CATHOLIC INSTITUTE 3 UCC 0, UCD 1 OLD ALEXANDRA 2, RAILWAY UNION 4 PEMBROKE WANDERERS 0
Ulster Elks v Loreto pictures by BOB HALL
