SELINSGROVE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University field hockey team battled back in the fourth quarter but came up short in a 2-1 loss to Catholic University on Tuesday evening at Sassafras Multipurpose Field.
After falling behind by two goals, the River Hawks found the back of the cage late in the contest and pushed for an equalizer in the closing minutes, but Catholic held on for the Landmark Conference victory.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna came out aggressively in the opening quarter, generating four shots and earning two penalty corners while looking to strike first. The River Hawks put pressure on the Catholic defense early, but goalkeeper Camryn Lowman turned aside the initial opportunities to keep the game scoreless through the first 15 minutes.
- The teams continued to battle through the second quarter until Catholic broke the deadlock at 26:28. Maddie Pennisi finished a feed from Caroline Cristella to give the Cardinals a 1-0 advantage. Catholic carried that lead into halftime despite Susquehanna's early efforts to establish its offensive rhythm.
- Catholic added to its advantage early in the second half. At 35:09, Tess Hake converted a pass from Bella Reyes to push the Cardinals' lead to 2-0. Susquehanna continued to work for scoring opportunities while goalkeeper Taytum Lombardi made several important saves to keep the River Hawks within striking distance.
- The River Hawks turned up the pressure in the fourth quarter, earning back-to-back penalty corners and creating additional chances in the attacking end. After a shot by Sydney Jordan was blocked and another attempt went wide, Susquehanna finally broke through at 53:40. Jada Thompson found the back of the cage to cut the deficit to 2-1 and give the River Hawks renewed hope.
- With the clock winding down, Susquehanna continued to search for the equalizer. With under two minutes remaining, Lombardi was pulled from goal in favor of an extra field player as the River Hawks committed additional numbers to the attack. Despite the late push, Catholic's defense held firm over the final moments to preserve the 2-1 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Jada Thompson scored Susquehanna's lone goal, recording four shots on goal in an active offensive performance.
- Taytum Lombardi made four saves in goal, helping keep the River Hawks within reach throughout the contest.
- Kiara Koeller recorded two shots, including one on target, while contributing defensively.
- Samara Campenni and Isabel Goncalves each put a shot on goal as Susquehanna generated opportunities throughout the evening.
- Lexi Kresge recorded a defensive save to deny a Catholic scoring opportunity in the third quarter.
- Susquehanna finished with 11 shots, including eight on goal, and earned five penalty corners. Catholic recorded 13 shots, eight on target, and 10 penalty corners. The River Hawks finished strong offensively, producing five shots in the fourth quarter while holding the Cardinals scoreless in the final 15 minutes.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna returns to the field on Saturday, Oct. 24, traveling to face Lycoming College for a 1 p.m. contest as the River Hawks continue their late-season schedule. They travel to Goucher next Tuesday, Oct. 27 in the regular season finale.
- The River Hawks hold down the sixth and final Landmark Tournament spot with two games to play. Their 3-4 Landmark record puts them one game up on Moravian and Juniata, whom they both defeated last week. Lycoming and Goucher are currently ninth and tenth in the standings with 1-6 Landmark records.
