WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – The Susquehanna University field hockey team opened its Landmark Conference Tournament run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over third-seeded Wilkes University Saturday afternoon in the opening round, advancing to the Landmark Conference Semifinals for the eighth consecutive season.
The sixth-seeded River Hawks (8-12) relied on an early goal and a tremendous defensive effort to shut out the Colonels and exact revenge on the team that handed them a 2-0 defeat at home earlier this season.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Kiara Koeller delivered the game's only goal at 12:21 of the opening quarter. Koeller worked her away around the defender and slipped one through the back of the cage to give the River Hawks a 1-0 advantage, a lead they would hold for the remainder of the contest.
- The River Hawks carried their momentum into the second quarter, generating several offensive opportunities. Asia Daskalakis and Jada Thompson each put shots on goal, but Wilkes goalkeeper Chloe Gilroy turned away both attempts to keep the Colonels within striking distance.
- Wilkes applied significant pressure in the third quarter, earning five penalty corners and putting six shots on goal during the period. However, Susquehanna goalkeeper Taytum Lombardi came up with several important saves to preserve the River Hawks' one-goal advantage.
- Lombardi continued to anchor the defensive effort as Susquehanna entered the fourth quarter with a 1-0 lead. The River Hawks responded with strong defensive pressure while creating opportunities of their own to extend the advantage.
- Thompson put together a late offensive push, recording four shots in the fourth quarter, including multiple attempts that were turned away by Gilroy. Despite the late pressure from Wilkes, Susquehanna's defense held firm through the final whistle to secure the shutout victory and punch its ticket to the semifinals.
Inside the Box Score
- Kiara Koeller scored the game-winning goal at 12:21 of the first quarter, marking her first goal of the contest.
- Jada Thompson led Susquehanna with five shots, all of which were on goal.
- Asia Daskalakis recorded one shot on goal, while Bailey Neff, Haley Dreisbach and Madison Lilley also contributed shots.
- Taytum Lombardi played all 60 minutes in goal, recording six saves while earning the shutout.
- Susquehanna finished with 10 shots, including seven on goal, compared to Wilkes' 11 shots and six on goal.
- The River Hawks earned four penalty corners, while Wilkes finished with seven.
- Susquehanna's defensive unit limited Wilkes to just six shots on goal despite the Colonels' third-quarter offensive pressure.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna advances to the Landmark Conference Semifinals, where the River Hawks will travel to Washington, D.C., to take on second-seeded Catholic University on Tuesday, November 3, at 7 p.m.
