Despite a two hour delay because referees did not show up on time, the Elizabethtown College field hockey team had a pivotal win against Susquehanna University Saturday, Oct. 21, ensuring them a spot in the playoffs.
Senior midfielder and defender Megan Eppley scored the first goal for Etown at 33:30, the only goal scored in the first half.
Senior forward and midfielder Emma Christman had the Blue Jay’s second goal at 56:24.
Susquehanna’s only goal came in the second half and was scored by sophomore Heather Casey in between Christman and Kubik’s goals at 57:08.
Sophomore forward Madison Kubik scored the last of Etown’s three goals at 67:46, which was important because it “solidified the win [for the team],” Kubik said.
Susquehanna kept hold of the Blue Jays until Eppley’s goal in the 33rd minute of the game. Early on, Susquehanna sophomore Tess Omlor blocked a shot by Christman at 1:26, keeping the fans of both teams on their toes.
Although there were a few hiccups, Etown did not allow Susquehanna to take them down; Etown “ultimately had what it took to come out on top,” Eppley said.
At the beginning of the second half, sophomore Hunter Pitman from Susquehanna attempted to score twice in the first two minutes, but junior goalie Margo Donlin prevented both of Pitman’s attempts.
Another blocked shot by Pitman at 56:44 was the next shot that the Etown defense allowed, but Casey’s goal at 57:08 was the last shot that Susquehanna took before the end of the game.
The game stat leader was Christman with six shots, five shots on goal, one goal and one assist. Eppley followed with one goal, four shots and three shots on goal. Kubik had one goal, three shots and two shots on goal. Sophomore forward and midfielder Olivia Beachley had one assist on Kubik’s goal.
Donlin made five saves: three in the first half and two in a row less than two minutes in the second.
Although last year Etown’s field hockey record was undefeated, the record is currently 5 wins and 2 losses in the Landmark Conference, which is a change from what the team is used to.
Despite this, Eppley said the season is going well. She said that the game was incredibly intense and was a hard fight throughout the entire time.
The team is doing their best to step up in order to reclaim their title.
The women’s final game of the regular season is against Landmark Conference opponent Juniata College Saturday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m.
The Blue Jay field hockey seniors will be recognized during their Senior Game on Wolf Field. This game will determine seeding for playoffs. The winner will be seeded third and the loser, fourth.
