Photo Courtesy of Robert Isacson
By Hanna Grove, Staff Writer
Susquehanna field hockey hosted Drew University and ultimately took down the Rangers 12-0 in Selinsgrove, Pa on March 31 before traveling to Washington, D.C. to finish their season taking on Catholic University of America, dropping the contest 1-0 on April 2.
Susquehanna had total control of the game against Drew.
In the first quarter of the game, junior forward Sam Banks started the scoring for the River Hawks, three and a half minutes into the opening quarter.
Susquehanna kept up the pressure as they had multiple short corners in the opening fifteen minutes. Senior forward Maddie Taylor took the short corner finding freshman midfielder Katie Bucher putting Susquehanna up 2-0.
Just before the first quarter came to a close, freshman forward Ashley Schreffler found the back of the net, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Thirty seconds into the second quarter, Banks made a run and put a pass in front of goal for junior forward Cassie West, who beat the Rangers’ goalie, freshman Emily Sheridan.
A minute after the fourth goal, sophomore defender Abbey Reist found the net to push the River Hawk lead to 5-0.
Susquehanna was able to find two more goals before half time. The first was scored by Bucher who went through the legs of Sheridan. Taylor then collected herself a goal, as she buried the pass from freshman midfielder Ava Green. With those two markers the River Hawks headed into the break up 7-0.
“Playing under the lights on Sassafras field is an electric feeling that we always play well with. For us seniors, it was our last game ever on Sassafras and we carried that emotion and energy into the game,” Taylor said.
“We really focused on bouncing back from the tough loss that Saturday before and just having a really good time doing what we love. It was great to see girls from all classes and positions, especially underclassmen, putting the ball in the cage and really getting a taste of what that feels like,” Taylor continued.
Suaquehanna had the ball to start the third quarter. Just three minutes in, freshman forward Nina Mariano was able to beat Sheridan for the eighth Susquehanna goal. Three minutes later, West was able to collect her second goal of the contest. On a short corner Banks fired one on the short side of the goal, as Susquehanna reached double figures.. Susquehanna ended the third quarter up 10-0.
In the fourth quarter, Susquehanna added two more goals. Mariano and Schreffler, both collected their second goals of the game, giving the River Hawks a 12-0 victory over the Rangers.
Susquehanna dropped their season finale at Catholic 1-0 on April 2.
Taylor said: “We had a quick turnaround after the Drew game to drive down to D.C. and play Catholic on a Friday night. Because of this, we focused on trusting our abilities and just working to play our game. It’s always a very competitive environment and there is a lot of emotion against a conference rival, and our plan was to stay focused and work to make them play our game.”
It was a back and forth affair early on, which was a contrast to the previous game for Susquehanna.
The first quarter was even between the River Hawks and Cardinals, as both teams had chances, and two short corners a piece, but neither squad was able to find the icebreaker.
The Cardinals upped the pressure in the second quarter, and finally found the opening tally, as midfielder Grace Jung beat junior goalie Ava Kristich on the short corner.
The first half came to an end with the Cardinals on top 1-0.
The second half started much like the second quarter as the Cardinals kept up the pressure limiting the chances for Susquehanna to find an equalizer.
The fourth quarter saw the intensity rise as the River Hawks were looking for an equalizer, however the Cardinals held firm, to take down Susquehanna 1-0 and close out the season for both teams.
“It’s truly hard to find the words to describe what it means to have been able to play these last four games. While it was not what we ever imagined our senior season or year to look like, we are grateful for the opportunity to put on our jerseys and play for this team one last time,” Taylor said.
