LANCASTER, PA (September 1, 2023) – After a defensive struggle for 59 minutes, the Susquehanna field hockey team pulled off some late heroics to earn an upset victory in their season opener at #19 Franklin & Marshall on Friday night.

Impressive defensive play was on display throughout, as the teams combined to produce just 16 shots and only three on goal, with the vast majority being blocked by the respective defenders. Each goalie would make just a single save, with that one being all that was needed by first-year goalkeeper Kylie Schmidt, who opened her collegiate career with a shutout victory.

The teams continued to trade blocked shots and penalty corners all the way through, reaching deep into the final quarter when Susquehanna earned a penalty corner with only 56 seconds left on the clock. Gracie Roush, another first-year making her debut, fed the ball in, Katie Bucher passed it on to Kari Schmidt, who fired home the decisive blast and sent the Susquehanna bench into raptures.

The final 48 seconds quickly passed by with no response from the Diplomats, sealing SU's result. With a statement win to start the campaign, the River Hawks will now return home for their home opener on Sunday afternoon. They'll host Allegheny College at 12 pm in front of the Susquehanna faithful at Sassafras Field.

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--RIVER HAWKS--