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Van Kempen’s two goals leads field hockey team to a crucial ACC victory over No. 15 Louisville

Van Kempen leads Syracuse field hockey to a crucial win over Louisville

Syracuse field hockey’s leading goal scorer nets both goals against the Cardinals for an important win over a ranked opponent.

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Arnav Pokhrel
Van Kempen’s eight goals are the second most in the ACC while also leading the Orange.

After their trip to North Carolina, the Syracuse Field Hockey team returned to J.S. Coyne Stadium on Friday to take on No. 16 Louisville. They won 2-1 and improved their overall record to 7-3 and their ACC record to 2-2. Bo van Kempen was instrumental in the victory, netting both goals off corners, including the game-winner.

Louisville jumped ahead early in the match, scoring in the third minute when Chloe Plumb tipped in a shot from a Cardinals’ corner, assisted by Izzy Bianco. Syracuse’s defense, however, stood firm after the opening goal, staving off further attacks.

The Orange responded, equalizing with just 19 seconds remaining in the first quarter. Van Kempen executed a drag flick during a corner play, with Willemijn Boogert providing the insertion. The score remained tied at 1-1 going into halftime.

In the third quarter, the game continued to be tightly contested until van Kempen struck again in the 41st minute, scoring her second goal of the match with another corner opportunity, this time assisted by Lieke Leeggangers. This goal marked Van Kempen’s team-leading eighth of the season.

Goalkeeper Louise Pert played a crucial role in the victory, recording her sixth win and improving her record to 6-2 on the season. She and the defense kept Louisville at bay, allowing the Syracuse offense to control the game.

Looking ahead, Syracuse will face a formidable opponent in No. 14 Princeton on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 11:30 a.m. at J.S. Coyne Stadium. With consecutive top-20 matchups on the horizon, the Orange aim to build on their recent momentum and strengthen their standing in the ACC.