This past weekend, the women’s field hockey team defended their home turf for the first time this season, hosting Lock Haven University on Saturday afternoon and Saint Francis University on Sunday. Despite battling hard against both teams, the Raiders were unable to emerge victorious. The results of these two contests leaves their record at 0-6. On Saturday, the Raiders played host to the Bald Eagles, beginning the competition with a fervor that held the score at 0-0 throughout the majority of the first half. However, at the end of the first half, senior forward Rachel Valentine put a point on the board for the Bald Eagles after scoring off an assist from senior defender Jenna Felice. Shortly thereafter, Lock Haven snagged another goal when freshman forward Alyscia Smith drove into the circle, penetrating Colgate’s defensive line. Despite these setbacks, the Raiders continued to battle, especially on the defensive side. Sophomore goalie Maria Krull had 18 saves, a career-high for the young goalie. 

“She’s the ultimate competitor. We’ve really challenged her in practice and she’s met every challenge we’ve given to her and it’s shown in her play,” head coach Cathy Foto said.

 Early in the second half, Colgate’s offensive line stepped up, narrowing Lock Haven’s lead when senior midfielder Jessica Gardiner scored off an assist from junior defender Katie Connors during a penalty corner. The goal was Gardiner’s first of the year, as was the assist for Connors. However, Smith widened Lock Haven’s lead once again by scoring on a driven shot in the game’s forty-second minute. The Bald Eagles held onto a 3-1 lead for the remainder of the contest, a victory that allowed them to remain undefeated this season with a record of 5-0. Following the Saturday match-up, Colgate’s record was 0-5. 

On Sunday, the Raiders once again defended their home turf against the Saint Francis Red Flash. The game remained scoreless for the majority of the first half, but freshman forward Irene Fritschy scored in the twenty-sixth minute of play following an assist from Shannon Pereira. Following this, the Raiders were able to hold the Red Flash until the 48th minute, when senior midfielder Selena Adamshick found the back of the net unassisted. Shortly after, Pereira managed another goal, solidifying Saint Francis’s lead and ensuring a victory. The competition concluded with the visitors winning 3-0. Despite this tough loss, the Raiders fought hard, with junior attack Whitney Jones leading the team with three shot attempts, and Krull adding 12 saves. 

“We have been working hard these past few weeks to prepare ourselves for the Patriot League play that begins this coming Saturday,” Krull said of the team’s efforts. 

“We still have some aspects of our game to improve on, but are ready to face the challenges ahead of us,” Krull said when asked about moving forward in the season. 

As the team continues to improve and progress, it prepares for a match-up against Holy Cross next Saturday, September 19 in Worcester, Massachusetts.