By Jhett Laurie
Staff Writer
The College’s field hockey team started its season off hot, securing two wins. The first game took place on Aug. 30 against the Catholic University of America at the College’s Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.
The No. 23-ranked Lions started strong, dominating the Cardinals offensively. An onslaught of shots, led by Senior Jaydn Huff, saw the team outshoot Catholic 5-0. Defensive mishaps aided this, as four penalty corners set up the College’s offense. Unfortunately, none of the shots were able to fall.
The Lions kept the pressure up in the second quarter, as Sophomore Ali Simmons was able to find the back of the cage on a penalty corner. Huff secured the assist on the play as
The Lions found a break at the start of the second quarter, as a pass from Huff on a penalty corner led to sophomore Ali Simmons finding the back of the cage. The Lions, led by famed Coach Sharon Pfluger, did not let up after this. Four more shots, along with three more corners, followed suit. Senior Mackenzie Hart and Huff each had two shots.
The Cardinals finally made their first attempt at the Lions' goal in the waning minutes of the first half, but the shot strayed wide, missing the goal.
The Lions came out fighting, attempting two more corners, none of which landed. Catholic finally found their bearings in the eighth minute of the quarter. The Cardinals had two corners, the first of which missed the goal. The second corner saw the Lions' senior goalie, Brigette Racey, face off with Catholic for a penalty shot. The shot flew high, striking the crossbar and keeping the Lions' lead.
The final quarter saw a dominant performance from the Lions' offense. Three corners and shots were capped off by senior Emma Jordan scoring her first career goal and effectively ending the game. With only five minutes remaining, the Cardinals were unable to find the momentum to overcome the two-goal deficit.
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the Lions packed their things and traveled to Center Valley, Pa., to take on DeSales University. The first quarter was a defensive showdown, as the two shots attempted by the Lions were the only ones.
Huff delivered the first blow, scoring on an assist from junior Codie Sciacca two minutes into the second quarter. The Bulldogs still had some bite left, attempting four shots on goal that were all saved by Racey in goal.
The second half was a thrilling offensive show from both teams, as sophomore Rachel Tetzlaff had a penalty shot stuffed by the DeSales goalie. The Bulldogs found their first goal of the game late in the third quarter, equalizing the game.
Junior Kara Wilson struck back not even 30 seconds later, giving the Lions their one-goal lead back. Her goal’s momentum carried over into the final quarter, as the Lions scored two goals within the first five minutes.
The Lions rode their three-goal lead until the end of the game, securing their second win of the season. They take on Juniata College on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1 p.m. at home to try and continue their dominance this season.
