SELINSGROVE, PA (September 15, 2021) -- The King's College field hockey team did a great job defensively against a very stout squad in No. 18 Susquehanna University, but a third-quarter goal by first-year Rebecca Ripans was enough as the Monarchs fell to the River Hawks 1-0 in non-conference play from Sassafras Multipurpose Field.
The Monarchs (2-2) would be stuck in their own zone for much of the opening half, but some strong defending limited great opportunities for the River Hawks. SU (4-0) took two shots on goal over the first six minutes, but King's got its first shot of the game off a penalty corner 10:18 into the game as
Danielle Runo's attempt was stopped.
Just before the end of the first quarter, Susquehanna had two great chances in front but both were stopped by sophomore
Ellie Glatz. In the second quarter, SU nearly opened the scoring in the opening three minutes but a pair of shots by Ripans were stopped off the line by defenders
Lexi Prowker and
Abby Wolfe.
SU had five penalty corners and three shots on goal in the second stanza, but Glatz and company were able to hold the River Hawks without a goal going into the halftime break.
The River Hawks though would finally break the tie just under five minutes into the third quarter, as Ripans finished off a pass from Cassie West for the game-winner and her first collegiate tally. SU would keep the pressure on throughout the remainder of the period, but Glatz was up to the task with two more saves.
King's final shot to score came in the 52nd minute, earning a penalty corner but the River Hawk defense was able to clear the zone to thwart the last scoring opportunity for KC.
Susquehanna finished the game with a 15-1 shot advantage on the night, including a 13-1 margin in shots on goal. The penalty corners were also slanted in the direction of SU 13-3. Glatz finished with a career-high 12 saves on the night, while Mackenzie Bross stopped one shot to earn the shutout for Susquehanna.
Ripans finished with four shots on goal to lead all players Wednesday evening, while Katie Bucher and Abbey Reist each had a pair of shots as well.
King's will return to play Saturday at 3:30 p.m., taking on another Landmark Conference opponent in Drew University in Madison, NJ. Susquehanna tries to keep its undefeated season going Saturday at 1 p.m. at Gettysburg College.
--MONARCHS--