Susquehanna's Fourth Straight Landmark Championship Game vs. Scranton Set for Noon Saturday

SELINSGROVE, PA - Susquehanna field hockey will make its fourth consecutive appearance in the Landmark Conference Championship game when the River Hawks travel to Scranton on Saturday, November 7, for a noon matchup against the host Royals.

The championship matchup features two familiar opponents who have established themselves as the conference's premier programs in recent seasons. Both Susquehanna and Scranton will be playing in their fourth straight Landmark Championship game, setting the stage for another chapter in a growing postseason rivalry.

The River Hawks won back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2024, while Scranton claimed the crown in 2025. In each contest, the host team won the championship.

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The Road to the Championship

Susquehanna enters Saturday's championship riding the momentum of two hard-fought postseason victories, earning its spot in the title game as the tournament's sixth seed. The River Hawks opened their postseason with a 1-0 road victory over third-seeded Wilkes on October 31. Kiara Koeller provided the difference, scoring the game's only goal, while goalkeeper Taytum Lombardi and the Susquehanna defense held the Colonels scoreless to secure the shutout.
The River Hawks followed that performance with one of their most dramatic victories of the season Tuesday night, knocking off second-seeded Catholic 3-2 in double overtime. Susquehanna came out firing, with Jada Thompson opening the scoring just 1:19 into the contest off an assist from Koeller. Thompson returned the favor in the second quarter, setting up Koeller's goal at 18:29 to give the River Hawks a 2-0 advantage. Catholic responded with two fourth-quarter goals to force overtime, but Susquehanna remained composed and continued to battle defensively. After Lombardi made several important saves to keep the game alive, Hannah Garlin delivered the game-winning goal at 72:25, finishing a pass from Isabel Goncalves to send the River Hawks back to the Landmark Championship.
Thompson has been Susquehanna's offensive catalyst throughout the season, entering the championship with 10 goals and three assists for 23 points. She ranks among the conference leaders in goals and game-winning goals, while Koeller has added six goals and three assists. The combination has given the River Hawks a dynamic scoring threat, particularly in important moments. Defensively, Lombardi has been a major presence in goal, recording 82 saves with a .845 save percentage and a 1.27 goals-against average. Her three shutouts have helped anchor a Susquehanna defense that has allowed just 32 goals through 21 games.
Scranton enters Saturday's championship as the top seed and defending conference champion after another dominant regular season. The Royals finished conference play unbeaten at 9-0 and have been one of the most productive offensive teams in the country, scoring 62 goals through 18 games while allowing just 13.
The Royals feature one of the conference's most dangerous offensive combinations in Shana Goldsmith and Maggie Keys. Goldsmith leads Scranton with 19 goals and six assists for 44 points, while Keys has contributed 14 goals and a team-high 10 assists for 38 points. Both players rank among the Landmark's top offensive performers, giving the Royals multiple scoring threats capable of changing a game. Maddie Slavin has also provided an important scoring presence with six goals and five assists.
In Tuesday's semifinal against fourth-seeded Elizabethtown, Goldsmith wasted little time making an impact, scoring twice in the opening quarter to give Scranton an early 2-0 lead. Keys added an insurance goal in the fourth quarter, while goalkeeper Ruby Sorber and the Royals' defensive unit recorded a shutout in the 3-0 victory. Sorber has been equally impressive throughout the season, allowing just 13 goals in 18 appearances while compiling a 0.70 goals-against average, a .822 save percentage and nine shutouts.
Saturday's championship presents an intriguing matchup between two teams with different strengths. Scranton will look to utilize its offensive depth and scoring efficiency, while Susquehanna will rely on its defensive organization, Lombardi's presence in goal and the scoring ability of Thompson and Koeller. With both programs familiar with the championship stage, the River Hawks will need a complete performance to dethrone the defending champions and bring the Landmark Conference trophy back to Selinsgrove.

Championship History

Saturday's matchup marks the fourth consecutive season that Susquehanna and Scranton will meet with the Landmark Conference championship on the line. The River Hawks claimed consecutive titles in 2023 and 2024, defeating the Royals in both championship games before Scranton returned the favor in 2025.
With three championships in the last four seasons between the two programs, Saturday's contest offers Susquehanna an opportunity to reclaim the conference crown while adding another chapter to one of the Landmark's most consistent championship rivalries.
The River Hawks have won three total Landmark championships, with their first coming in 2018, once again at Scranton's expense. All of which were under head coach Allison Fordyce. The Royals have won three as well between 2019, 2021 and 2025. This will be Susquehanna's seventh championship game appearance, having made the title match also in 2009 and 2016.

Championship Information