SCRANTON, PA - Susquehanna University field hockey came up just short in its pursuit of a fourth Landmark Conference championship Saturday afternoon, falling 2-1 to top-seeded and defending champion Scranton at Weiss Field. Despite the defeat, the River Hawks put together an impressive postseason run, advancing to their fourth consecutive championship game after entering the tournament as the sixth and final seed.
The River Hawks showed tremendous resilience throughout the postseason, winning two consecutive road playoff games to return to the championship. After shutting out third-seeded Wilkes 1-0 in the opening round, Susquehanna delivered one of its biggest wins of the season with a dramatic 3-2 double-overtime victory over second-seeded Catholic in the semifinals. Saturday's championship appearance marked the fourth straight season the River Hawks and Royals met with the conference title on the line.
While Scranton ultimately secured its second consecutive Landmark championship, Susquehanna's late-season surge and postseason determination provided a memorable conclusion to an outstanding campaign.
How It Went Down
- Scranton came out aggressively in the opening quarter, putting immediate pressure on the Susquehanna defense and generating eight shots in the first 15 minutes. The River Hawks weathered the early storm, limiting the Royals to quality opportunities while goalkeeper Taytum Lombardi and the defensive unit worked to keep the contest scoreless. Susquehanna generated two shots of its own, and Kait McKillop came up with a defensive save in the closing seconds of the period to preserve the 0-0 deadlock heading into the second quarter.
- The Royals finally broke through at the 21:20 mark, converting a penalty corner to take a 1-0 advantage. Maggie Keys delivered a shot toward the cage, where Shana Goldsmith got a stick on the ball and redirected it past Lombardi for the opening goal. Susquehanna continued to battle defensively for the remainder of the first half, keeping the deficit to one despite Scranton's offensive pressure.
- Scranton extended its advantage early in the third quarter, striking again at 35:40. Keys carried the ball into the circle from the right side before sending a pass across the face of the goal. Goldsmith was once again in the right position to redirect the opportunity into the cage, recording her second goal of the afternoon and giving the Royals a 2-0 lead.
- Facing a two-goal deficit, the River Hawks continued to fight and looked for an opportunity to get back into the contest. Lombardi and the Susquehanna defense worked to limit further damage, while the offense searched for an opening against a strong Scranton defensive unit.
- With just 2:12 remaining in regulation, Susquehanna finally broke through. Kiara Koeller helped create the scoring opportunity before Jada Thompson finished the play, finding the back of the cage to cut the deficit to 2-1. The late goal gave the River Hawks renewed life and set up a dramatic final stretch.
- The River Hawks refused to go quietly, continuing to pressure the Royals in the closing minutes. With time expiring, Scranton committed a foul just outside the circle, giving Susquehanna one final penalty corner opportunity with no time remaining on the clock. Kiara Koeller fired a shot toward the cage, but Scranton goalkeeper Ruby Sorber made the save before Maggie Keys cleared the ball out of the circle to secure the 2-1 victory and the championship for the Royals.
- Despite the heartbreaking finish, Susquehanna's effort against the defending champions capped an impressive postseason journey that few teams could have matched.
Inside the Box Score
- Jada Thompson scored Susquehanna's lone goal of the afternoon, finding the back of the cage with 2:12 remaining in regulation. It was another important contribution from the junior forward, who led the River Hawks offensively throughout the season.
- Kiara Koeller recorded the assist on Thompson's fourth-quarter goal and continued her strong postseason performance after scoring the game-winner against Wilkes and contributing a goal and an assist against Catholic.
- Taytum Lombardi turned aside nine shots in goal, keeping Susquehanna within striking distance throughout the championship contest.
- Kait McKillop recorded a defensive save in the opening quarter to contribute to Scranton's stifling defense.
- Scranton held a 21-8 advantage in total shots and an 11-5 edge in shots on goal.
- The Royals also held a 9-6 advantage in penalty corners, while Susquehanna's defense recorded nine saves.
An Incredible Postseason Run
- Susquehanna's road to the Landmark Championship was a testament to the team's perseverance and determination. Entering the conference tournament as the sixth and final seed, the River Hawks faced an uphill climb against some of the Landmark's top programs.
- Rather than back down, Susquehanna delivered two outstanding road performances to reach the championship game.
- The postseason journey began October 31 at third-seeded Wilkes, where the River Hawks earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Koeller provided the game's only goal, while Lombardi and the Susquehanna defense delivered a shutout to send the River Hawks into the semifinals.
- Things only got more dramatic in the next round at second-seeded Catholic. Susquehanna jumped out to a 2-0 lead behind goals from Thompson and Koeller before the Cardinals rallied with two fourth-quarter goals to force overtime. After surviving the first extra period, the River Hawks found their breakthrough in double overtime when Hannah Garlin scored the game-winner at 72:25 off an assist from Isabel Goncalves, sending Susquehanna to its fourth consecutive Landmark Championship.
- The River Hawks' late-season surge carried them all the way to Saturday's title game, where they once again showed the fight and determination that defined their postseason run.
- Although the River Hawks fell one victory short of reclaiming the Landmark Conference championship, the 2026 season will be remembered for an incredible late-season turnaround and a postseason run filled with memorable moments.
- Susquehanna finishes the campaign with a 9-13 overall record, earning its fourth consecutive appearance in the Landmark Conference Championship game. From entering the tournament as the sixth seed to knocking off the third and second seeds on the road, the River Hawks demonstrated tremendous resilience and determination.
- While the final result wasn't what the team hoped for, Susquehanna has plenty to be proud of after another season competing for a Landmark championship.
