By Andrew Synder
Staff Writer
Susquehanna’s field hockey team (5–5) was defeated by Misericordia (2–8) 3–2 in double overtime on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Sassafras Athletic Complex in Selinsgrove.
Susquehanna was led offensively once again by junior attacker Hunter Pittman, who added to her team-leading six goals with one in this contest. Sophomore midfielder Vivian Simone also aided in the River Hawks effort, adding the only other goal for Susquehanna.
Junior midfielder Heather Casey also had five shots on the day for the River Hawks.
Misericordia sophomore forward Madisyn Granoski was the leading scoring for the game with two goals during the contest.
Cougars senior forward Kailey Vogl led the team in shots with three on the day. Two of those shots were also on target, which also led the team.
Misericordia came out firing in the beginning of the game with a goal from junior forward Kyleigh Knell only five minutes into the contest.
The River Hawks however dominated the early minutes of the game with six shots before the 12-minute mark on top of a few penalty corners. Susquehanna was unable to capitalize on those opportunities. Pittman got the River Hawks on the board with a goal at the 30-minute mark on an assist from freshman attacker Sam Banks. The match would remain tied heading into the second half.
The outlook was bright for Susquehanna early in the second period as the River Hawks were able to put heavy pressure on Misericordia early in the second period. Simone would then convert on an opportunity at the 53-minute mark to give the River Hawks a 2–1 lead on an assist from freshman defender AJ Smith.
Misericordia responded quickly though with an equalizer four minutes later. Susquehanna would continue their pressure but it would result in any scoring, and the game would proceed into overtime with the score knotted at 2–2.
The first overtime was a balanced affair, as both teams battled to secure the game winner. Susquehanna had a few scoring opportunities but were not able to convert on any. Junior goalkeeper Emily DiGaetano was a key contributor, saving the would-be game winner with less than a minute to go in overtime. DiGaetano had four saves on the day for the River Hawks.
The second overtime would prove to be a battle of high- powered offenses that Misericordia would eventually win. Susquehanna committed a penalty in the box and Misericordia would score on the ensuing penalty strike to earn the win.
The River Hawks outshot the Cougars 26-10 and had eight more penalty corners than Misericordia on the day despite the loss.
Susquehanna will continue their season with a difficult matchup away from home against Catholic (3–6) on Saturday. The game will start at 1 p.m.
