HAVERFORD, Pa. - In a showdown between nationally ranked teams, the No. 19 Haverford College field hockey team (12–2, 6–1 CC) fell to No. 13 Dickinson College (13–1, 5–1 CC) in a closely contested conference matchup, with the Red Devils securing a 1–0 victory at Swan Field on Saturday. The loss snapped Haverford's program-record nine-match winning streak.
The match opened with both teams showing strong defensive form as Haverford's Steph Ionescu started in goal. Dickinson pressed early with a penalty corner and a pair of quick shots, but Ionescu turned both away to keep the visitors scoreless. That early defensive stand set the tone for a tightly fought contest between the two ranked sides.
Haverford gained some momentum midway through the first quarter when Abigail Trapp executed a penalty corner. Holly Vincent's ensuing shot was blocked by the Red Devils' backline. The quarter ended with Haverford holding firm defensively to preserve a scoreless tie.
The second quarter saw both teams making repeated circle entries. Haverford's Erica Pardón created one of the best chances with a shot that went just wide in the 21st minute.
Dickinson broke through late in the half on a pair of penalty corners taken by inserter Gillian Rosenstock. On the second attempt, Rosenstock converted at 29:25 after a give-and-go sequence with Natalie Slusser — Slusser received the initial insert and sent a cross-cage return pass that Rosenstock tapped in for the game's opening goal.
Haverford came out of halftime with renewed pressure, hunting for the equalizer. Trapp earned a penalty corner at 37:16, leading to a shot saved by Dickinson goalkeeper Taylor Morrow. Moments later, another corner inserted by Naomi York set up Louisa Coughlin for a look on goal, but her shot went wide. Despite sustained pressure, Haverford couldn't find the equalizer and trailed 1–0 heading into the final quarter.
In the fourth, Haverford continued its aggressive push, generating several penalty corners through York and Trapp. Vincent and Coughlin led the attack with multiple shots on target, but Morrow and the Dickinson defense held firm, turning aside each attempt.
Despite several more corners and dangerous efforts, including strong late shots from Vincent and Alice Stein, the Fords couldn't find the back of the net.
Vincent led Haverford with four shots, including one on goal. Stein and Trapp each added one shot on target. In goal, Ionescu kept the Fords in contention with three key first-quarter saves.
Rosenstock paced Dickinson with the decisive goal, her lone tally coming from two shots on target. Slusser added the assist, while Morrow anchored the Red Devils' defense with three saves to earn the shutout.
Haverford will next travel up the road to face Bi-Co rival Bryn Mawr on October 22. Opening push is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
