The Lions field hockey team suffered their first loss since the beginning of the season on Saturday to the Profs of Rowan University, 2-1. The College, ranked 10th in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III National Coaches poll this week, is now 5-3, snapping a five-game winning streak.
"Now we have to play hard," sophomore midfielder Blair Alber said. "Every game is a big now and each one is more important now to get the win,"
The Profs took the lead in the beginning of the second half with a shot by senior midfielder Rhonda Bennet, who was assisted by junior midfielder Jackie Stone. Rowan increased their lead when freshman forward Danielle Miranda scored what became the winning goal at 45:35.
The Lions attempted to make a comeback when senior midfielder Kim Feeley scored at 58:38 on an assist from Alber. Still, the Lions offense was no match for junior goalkeeper Stephanie Doherty, who finished the day with six saves.
"We need to get the ball to our strong side," Alber said. "We dominated the second half but were unable to finish it."
The Lions had one goal called back with 11 minutes left and a penalty stroke called that helped the Profs take the lead. However, the College also missed on a few opportunities throughout the game.
"We missed a stroke in the first half that we should have scored on," sophomore midfielder Allison Greene said. "We had more corners than (Rowan) did but we didn't capitalize on them."
Lions junior goalkeeper Kristina Beyel had a career-high 12 saves in 70 minutes of play, recording her 22nd save of the season. Senior forward Colleen Stamler leads her team with 18 points, including eight goals and two assists. Sophomore forward Jess Berkowitz and Alber followed with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The game marks the College's first loss and Rowan's first win in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). The Lions still lead Rowan in the NJAC race with a record of 2-1.
"We have to depend on our non-conference games to get into the playoffs," Alber said.
"We want to score as many goals as possible," Greene said. "We have to win and prove ourselves."
The College will play Cabrini College on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
