Elizabethtown College got their field hockey season started with a home opener against their local non-conference opponent in Lebanon Valley College. With matchups every season since 2019, the LVC Dutchmen have bested the Blue Jays in four out of five games, with Etown winning their first matchup in a 3-2 overtime thriller. Last season, LVC took a 4-0 victory over the Blue Jays. However, with a large recruiting class, Etown hopes to start their season off strong with a win.
Both teams began the game applying pressure early, but Lebanon Valley displayed dominance through possession. The Dutchmen found many opportunities in the first quarter, with four corners providing multiple shots on goal. LVC opened their season scoring with a shot by junior forward Claire Weidenhammer, the former all-region IV first team forward.
The lead wasn’t held for too long, as senior forward Drew Bridges broke away on a counter attack, dribbling through multiple defenders before sending a rocket into the back of the goal, tying the game at one apiece. In the second quarter, the Dutchmen added offensive pressure that the Blue Jays had problems corralling.
With seven shots and four shots on goal in the quarter, Etown’s defense had to hold strong to prevent any type of lead from occurring. Junior goalkeeper Lily DeBlasio held the score even, saving four shots in the quarter and seven in the entirety of the game. Etown was able to get the ball out of their own half a few times, but LVC would be there to counter, adding scoring opportunities.
After halftime, Etown made adjustments to counteract the aggressive Dutchmen offense, recording four shots on goal and only allowing two shots. The possession battle switched back to around half for both sides, but the Blue Jays couldn’t find a rhythm with sophomore midfielder Hailey Meyer and first-year forward Sara Watson picking up green cards in the third.
In the fourth quarter, LVC picked up a green card from senior forward Gracie Johnson. As Etown gained their first few corners, they opened up various scoring opportunities. With only a few minutes remaining in the quarter, sophomore forward Lauren Foster hit a cross inside the D where Weidenhammer was positioned, who scored the go-ahead goal and gave LVC their first lead since the first quarter.
Momentum had shifted as Etown increased their attacking pressure and with the Lebanon Valley packing their defense to hold off the Etown offense. Etown had many chances to even the score once more, but time expired giving the Dutchmen a 2-1 victory over the Blue Jays.
Bridges netted the only goal for Etown on her only shot attempt in the game. Junior midfielder Hannah Long added three shots on goal, totaling four shots in the contest. Meyer contributed one shot on goal and first-year midfielder Kaylie Noel also had one shot.
The Blue Jays will play their next game on the road at Wilson College on Sept. 13 and will play their next home game against Penn State Harrisburg on Sept. 23.
