SELINSGROVE, Pa. — The Susquehanna University field hockey team battled throughout all four quarters Saturday afternoon, but a first-quarter goal proved to be the difference as the River Hawks fell 1-0 to the University of Scranton in their Landmark Conference opener at Sassafras Multipurpose Field.
Susquehanna finished the afternoon with an 11-5 advantage in shots and earned seven penalty corners to Scranton's one, but the Royals' defense held firm to preserve the shutout. The River Hawks moved to 2-8 overall and 0-1 in Landmark play.
How It Went Down
- Susquehanna created its first opportunities early, with Samara Campenni putting two shots on goal in the opening quarter. Scranton goalkeeper Ruby Sorber turned both attempts aside.
- The Royals then broke through with 4:12 remaining in the opening quarter when Maddie Slavin scored off an assist from Shana Goldsmith, giving Scranton a 1-0 lead.
- The River Hawks responded with increased offensive pressure in the second quarter, earning five penalty corners and generating several scoring opportunities. Taylor Rothermel and Jada Thompson each put shots on goal, but Sorber continued to keep Susquehanna off the scoreboard.
- Kylie Schmidt made a key save for the River Hawks early in the second quarter to keep the deficit at one heading into halftime.
- Neither team was able to find the back of the cage in the third quarter, although Susquehanna continued to apply pressure. Hannah Garlin and Campenni each recorded shots on goal during the period, but Sorber turned both away.
- Susquehanna continued its offensive push in the fourth quarter. Ella Shimp and Koeller each put shots toward the cage, while the River Hawks earned two more penalty corners. Susquehanna's final corner came with just over seven minutes remaining, but the Royals' defense once again held strong.
- Despite controlling much of the offensive pressure in the second half, the River Hawks were unable to break through as Scranton held on for the 1-0 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Susquehanna held an 11-5 advantage in total shots and put eight attempts on goal compared to three for Scranton. The River Hawks also earned seven penalty corners, while the Royals had just one.
- Campenni led Susquehanna with three shots, all of which were on goal. Rothermel added two shots with both finding the target, while Koeller recorded two shots and Garlin, Isabel Goncalves, Ella Shimp and Hannah Garlin each added one.
- Kylie Schmidt played all 60 minutes in goal for the River Hawks, making two saves.
- Scranton's Sorber made eight saves to preserve the shutout, while Slavin's first-quarter goal was the game's lone score.
Up Next for the River Hawks
- Susquehanna will return to action Wednesday, Sept. 30, when the River Hawks host SUNY Cortland at 2 p.m.
