SELINSGROVE, PA (September 13, 2023) -- Senior Jessie Smalley tallied her first goal of the season and the lone score in the contest as the King's College field hockey team fell, 7-1, at Susquehanna University on Wednesday night. The Monarchs now stand at 0-5 overall, while the River Hawks improve to 3-2.
 
Susquehanna (3-2) went on the attack early, putting up two first quarter goals and an early second-period tally to trail 3-0. The King's (0-5) defense settled in the remainder of the second, holding the River Hawks scoreless over the final 12:16 of the half as they saw Susquehanna maintain their 3-0 edge heading into the break.
 
Two more quick goals from the hosts saw King's facing a 5-0 deficit in the 31^st minute, but it was an Ashley Thalassinos feed to Jessie Smalley in the 38^th minute to put King's on the board, trailing 5-1. Susquehanna tacked on two more scores, but despite a late push from the Monarchs the road warriors fell, 7-1, in the non-conference contest in Selinsgrove on Wednesday night.
 
Smalley recorded her goal off her lone shot in the loss, while first year Melanie Tlatenchi posted a shot on target as well. Grace Venis remained strong in the cage for King's, posting a new career-best nine saves in the 60-minute effort.
 
Sophia Prata led Susquehanna with a hat trick of three goals off a team-high six shots, while Katie Bucher totaled two goals on five shots. Goalkeeper Ashley Derrick tallied a save in the win.
 
The Monarchs return home to McCarthy Stadium after a lengthy road stretch as they host McDaniel College in game two of the Homecoming Weekend triple header. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.