SELINSGROVE, PA (September 7, 2024) - Susquehanna field hockey was held scoreless on Saturday afternoon at Sassafras Field, losing 3-0 to 21st-ranked Swarthmore. The visiting Garnet picked up their first win of the season after dropping their first two contests.
The River Hawks (1-1) dominated possession for most of the first quarter, earning five corners, but were unable to put one of their three shots into the back of the cage. Swarthmore (1-2) took advantage on the counterattack late in the quarter, with Katherine Kohn scoring her first goal of the year on assist from Magdelana Jordan.
Jordan scored a goal of her own in the second quarter to double the Garnet lead, also scoring for the first time this season. Hayley Harris assisted on the score. Meanwhile, the River Hawks were still unable to break down Garnet goalkeeper Violet Garibaldi despite registering 3 more shots and 4 more corners.
Swarthmore's success continued into the second half, although Susquehanna goalkeeper Ashley Derrick was able to reject one shot and keep the Garnet off the scoreboard in the frame.
Derrick saved two more shots in the fourth quarter, but was unable to keep the Garnet from extending their lead as Hannah Ulrich scored on assist from Grace Fuselier in the final five minutes of the contest.
Saturday was Susquehanna's fifth straight loss against Swarthmore dating back to 2018. It was the Garnet's largest win over the River Hawks, with all prior matchups being decided by a single goal.
Reigning Landmark Conference offensive player of the week Kari Schmidt led the River Hawks offensively in the loss, registering three shots. Alli Kiley was just behind with two shots; Taylor Rothermel, Lydia Hidlay, Gracie Roush and Ella DeFazio all also had one.
Despite the loss, the River Hawks out-shot the Garnet nine to seven. Erin Coyle was the only Swarthmore player with more than one shot, tallying two. Kayla Fink and Emma Duffield each played the entire game in the field for the Garnet.
Two Susquehanna field players – Schmidt and Hannah Garlin – played the entire game.
The River Hawks will next be in action on Wednesday, September 11 when they travel to Carlisle to take on Dickinson College. The Red Devils are off to an 0-3 start to 2024, losing to two ranked teams as well as Landmark foe Catholic.
