By Mady Burns, Staff Writer
The Susquehanna field hockey team defeated Drew University 1-0 during a Landmark Conference match that took place in Madison, N.J. on Nov. 2.
This victory gave the River Hawks a boost, placing them in the third seed overall in the conference as well as earning the team a spot in the semi-finals of the conference tournament.
Susquehanna was able to keep the Rangers from scoring during the whole first half of the match.
The River Hawks came out with high energy in the third quarter and it showed, as the team was finally able to score.
Senior forward Hunter Pitman found the back of the cage at the 45-minute mark, cutting from the right and scoring off an assist from sophomore defender Annalee Smith.
The River Hawks and the Rangers held each other off during the fourth quarter of the game. The River Hawks picked up the intensity and stepped up their defense during the remainder of the game and held onto the 1-0 lead for the victory.
Pitman was named one of the top performers of the game, picking up the game-winning goal, which also turned out to be her 19th goal of the season. Smith played a huge role in this win as well and recorded her fourth assist of the season.
“We dominated the game in its entirety, yet it wasn’t until the last quarter [when] Hunter Pitman made a quick shot to get it in the cage,” senior defender Anna Dietl said. “This was essential in securing a spot in the semi-finals and we did what we had to do to get there.”
Sophomore defender Carly Schiller made two defensive saves for Drew while junior goalkeeper Joie Slossar saved 12 of the shots taken by the River Hawks.
Junior defender Gabby Martin created opportunities for the River Hawks with four shots and two shots on goal. Junior forward Jenn Sabbak was another influential player with three shots and two shots on goal.
Susquehanna dominated in the stats of the match with a tally of 33 shots with 15 on goal. The teal also shut out Drew, not giving them a single shot on goal. The River Hawks forced 26 corners and gave up zero corners to the Rangers.
Following the win, Susquehanna defeated Catholic 2-1 on Wednesday, Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C. in the Landmark Conference semi-finals.
In the second quarter, junior midfielder Vivian Simone scored to give the River Hawks a 1-0 lead.
Catholic then tied the game in the third quarter, but Pitman once again came through for Susquehanna, scoring the game-winning goal just nine minutes.
Defensively, senior goalie Veronica Green anchored the team with 11 saves.
The River Hawks now advance to the Landmark Conference championship and will play Scranton on Saturday, Nov. 9 in Scranton, Pa.