SELINSGROVE, PA - On a rainy afternoon in which nine seniors were honored for their time with Susquehanna Field Hockey program, the River Hawks pulled out a big win over Elizabethtown, defeating the Blue Jays 2-1. Seniors Samantha Banks, Julianna Capone, Kelsey Murray, Cassie West, Allyson Heard, Katie Koch, Morgan Rees, Annalee Smith, Julia Riedhammer were honored pregame for their four years with the team .


The game itself was a dramatic one as it was an important match for each team, with the two tied for the fourth seed in the conference standings going into the beginning of play. It didn't take long for the River Hawks to get on the board as Katie Bucher found Ava Greene for a score in the seventh minute. Bucher was able to put a beautiful ball into the right hand side of the box to find her fellow sophomore Greene, who tapped the shot in just past the Elizabethtown goalie. 

The response from the Blue Jays was fairly quick, however, as Elizabethtown tied the score with a goal from Riley Stephan, just after the ten minute mark had passed. The score would remain tied all the way through halftime, as both teams were not able to convert on opportunities close to goal.

In the second half, the defense for the River Hawks went to another level, a level they have played at several times before during this season. They prohibited the Blue Jays from attempting any shots in the second half, while they were able to control the ball and the pace of the game, taking 12 attempts in the second half. 

Susquehanna was able to take a lead they would not relinquish in the third quarter when Bucher slapped a ball into the box, where the pass was received by Koch. Koch directed the pass past the goalie and to the left side of the goalie, where Banks had an easy look at goal and punched the ticket home. The goal allowed Banks to improve her team-leading season score total to five.

With the lead finally seized, the Susquehanna defense did what they do best for the rest of regulation, as they dug their heels in and created a strong defensive front that the Blue Jays could not penetrate. The River Hawks had more chances throughout the half but couldn't get the game sealing goal. Despite not extending their lead any further, Susquehanna was able to take home the win, thanks an outstanding defensive effort, and a good offensive showing.

Other Notes

• Mackenzie Bross recorded three saves in goal to pick up her 11th win of the season.
• Susquehanna outshot Elizabethtown 15-4 on the day, and held a 6-1 advantage on corners. 
• The River Hawks now sit alone in fourth place of the Landmark Conference standings. Catholic and Scranton both started the day undefeated in conference play, but the two teams play each other today, Saturday, October 16th. Moravian is now 4-1 after defeating Juniata today. 

Up Next

• The Field Hockey team will play Keystone on the road on Wednesday, October 20th at 7 p.m. before returning home for their homecoming game on October 23rd to face Catholic. 

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