The Elizabethtown College Field Hockey team came out ready to compete on Wednesday afternoon and, despite an early setback, managed to take control of the game and secure a 3-1 victory over the Bridgewater College Eagles at Wolf Field.
Both teams traded opportunities throughout the opening quarter, but Bridgewater was the first to capitalize. In the 11th minute, Kiley Parker found the back of the cage to give the Eagles an early 1-0 advantage. The goal came shortly after Etown Senior goalkeeper Lily DeBlasio made an incredible save on a shot from Emily Dickinson.
Despite trailing early, the Blue Jays continued to pressure the Eagles’ defense. Etown generated three penalty corners in the opening quarter and continued creating opportunities into the second.
The Blue Jays finally broke through in the 27th minute. Sophomore Carly Schumacher received an assist from Meadow Keet and scored to even the contest at 1-1. Schumacher remained active throughout the afternoon, finishing the game with four shots, including three on goal.
The Blue Jays nearly added another before halftime, but Bridgewater goalkeeper Thaleia Khader made a save on another Schumacher attempt. The teams entered the halftime break tied at one.
Etown came out firing in the third quarter. The Blue Jays completely controlled the offensive opportunities, outshooting Bridgewater 8-0 during the period. Several early attempts were turned away by Khader, but the constant pressure eventually paid off.
In the 37th minute, Sophomore Sara Watson scored off an assist from Sophomore Kaylie Noel to give the Blue Jays their first lead of the afternoon at 2-1. Etown carried that advantage into the fourth quarter and continued to control possession.
The Blue Jays had an opportunity to extend their lead in the 51st minute when Nia Mountis was awarded a penalty stroke, but Khader came up with the save. Bridgewater responded with an offensive opportunity of its own, forcing DeBlasio to make a save on a shot from Casey Grell.
Etown quickly regained control and put the game away in the 55th minute. Following a series of penalty corners, Freshman Caly Hartman scored off an assist from Caroline Hartley to extend the Blue Jays’ advantage to 3-1.
The final statistics reflected Etown’s control of the game after Bridgewater’s early goal. The Blue Jays outshot the Eagles 23-8 overall and held an 11-4 advantage in shots on goal. Etown also earned 15 penalty corners compared with just five for Bridgewater. Hannah Long led the Blue Jays with six total shots, while Schumacher and Ava Wolfe each recorded four.
DeBlasio finished the afternoon with three saves while allowing just one first-quarter goal. On the other side, Khader recorded eight saves as Etown continued to challenge the Bridgewater defense throughout the second half.
With the victory, Etown improved to 6-4 on the season, while Bridgewater fell to 5-4. Etown will face the Susquehanna Red Hawks on Saturday, Oct. 3.
