By Miles DeRosa, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Miles DeRosa
Susquehanna Field Hockey opened their season with two impressive wins this weekend at the Connie Harnum Classic in Selinsgrove, taking the first game of the season 1-0 against 14th ranked Christopher Newport University on Saturday Sept 4, and the second 2-1 over fifth- ranked Salisbury on Sunday Sept 5.
Susquehanna was able to generate early pressure against Christopher Newport, earning early short corner looks but was unable to break through
In the second quarter, Christopher Newport strung together three early corners, the third leading to a clean look on goal. However, the shot was turned away in diving fashion by Susquehanna junior goalie Mackenzie Bross.
The second half was all Susquehanna as they kept the pressure on Christopher Newport. They had four short corner looks in the third, including one that led to a would-be goal had it not been called back, for a foul on the River Hawks.
In the fourth, senior midfielder Katie Koch officially broke the tie with a shot to the vacant far post.
Susquehanna was then able to run the clock out with a few more saves from Bross and the defense, holding onto a thrilling 1-0 victory for their first win of the season.
The defense held firm against a tough opponent and the offense was able to keep consistent pressure on Christopher Newport in a more impressive win than the final score would indicate.
Salisbury came out firing in the second game of the classic. Strong passing early allowed them to get Susquehanna on their heels, but the River Hawks defense held strong as it did all weekend. Senior defender Annalee Smith was all over the field, getting into passing lanes and running opposing forwards off the ball.
Bross was stellar in the cage yet again, l making a great save off a corner to open the second quarter. Later in the quarter she came out of the net to defend a breakaway, laying out to separate the ball from the opposing forward. She would finish the game with six saves.
Late in the second quarter, a penalty shot was awarded to Salisbury. Forward Allie Davis was able to convert over a diving Bross and for a moment it seemed the game might be swinging Salisbury’s way.
Susquehanna responded with immediate pressure to retake momentum, earning themselves two short corners, the second of which produced an equalizer. A cross from Koch in the far corner was put in by sophomore midfielder Sarah McAndrews in the final minutes of the second, bringing the game to a tie at halftime.
The second half saw an uptick in defensive intensity and physicality on both sides. Bross continued her fantastic start to the season with an early save off a corner, while Susquehanna responded immediately with a good look of their own, turned away by Salisbury keeper Mackenzie Peacock.
The physicality in the second half led to a penalty shot late in the third for Susquehanna. First year midfielder Kari Schmidt converted to give Susquehanna a 2-1 lead, which they would not surrender.
Susquehanna relied on their strong defense and goalkeeping to carry them the rest of the way. Bross finished the weekend with a total of 12 saves next to just one goal allowed, coming off the Salisbury penalty shot. With Bross and the defense playing this well, leading them to two wins over tough non-conference opponents, this team will go as far as they can carry them.
“I have so much trust in the defensive line in front of me,” Bross said. “Between Annalee Smith and I, there are a lot of big voices coming from the backfield. We already have started to form quite the identity as a defensive unit. It is so important for all of us to work together to get the ball up to our offensive end. Each defender in front of me possesses such a unique skill set that blends so well with the others. I am so excited to play with these girls defending me.”
Susquehanna will look to continue their strong play on Wednesday Sept 8, when they host the Dickinson Red Devils at 5 pm on Sassafras field.
