GLASSBORO, N.J. – The Haverford College field hockey team (2-3) fell in non-conference action at Coach Richard Wackar Stadium on the campus of Rowan University (4-3), as the host Profs secured a 3-0 victory. Despite the final score, the Fords were evenly matched with Rowan in shots (12-11 in favor of Rowan) and penalty corners (10 each). However, Mariah Juiliano's 10 saves were instrumental in Rowan's triumph.
Rowan struck early, scoring in the first minute of play. Just 34 seconds in, Paige Gray earned a penalty corner for the Profs. After a Tess Herman shot was deflected in the circle, Gracie Merrick capitalized on the redirection to give Rowan a quick 1-0 lead.
Haverford sought an immediate response, earning a penalty corner in the third minute. Holly Vincent and Naomi York each fired off shots, but Juiliano made two early saves to keep the Fords off the board. In the second quarter, Rowan extended its lead when Jenna Gray pounced on a loose ball in front of goal and slotted it into the back of the cage, making it 2-0 in favor of the hosts.
The Fords continued to press, with Zoey Despines and Louisa Coughlin registering shots on target before halftime. In the third quarter, Haverford's defense held firm, with Mary Smith making two crucial saves to keep the deficit at just two.
Early in the fourth quarter, Rowan struck again. A penalty corner insert from Paige Gray found Riley McClelland, who set up Gray for a well-placed deflection goal in front of the cage, pushing the lead to 3-0.
Haverford showed offensive urgency late in the contest, with a flurry of shots from Vincent, Ileana Rodriguez, and York in a span of just over 30 seconds. Another surge saw Juiliano deny Vincent and Despines following a crucial penalty corner opportunity. Juiliano made five of her 10 saves in the final quarter, quelling the Fords' comeback bid.
For Haverford, York led the attack with three shots on goal, while Vincent and Despines each added two. Smith recorded two saves over the full 60 minutes in goal.
The Fords will next travel to DeSales University for a midweek matchup on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Center Valley, Pa. Field Hockey will then open conference play at Dickinson on Saturday, September 28, with a 12 p.m. start.
