Swarthmore College Athletics

SWARTHMORE, Pa. - The No. 14 Swarthmore College field hockey team saw its three-game winning streak come to an end with a 2-0 loss to Haverford College on Wednesday night. The Garnet fell to 7-2 in Centennial Conference play, dropping to second place in the standings with one game remaining.

Swarthmore controlled possession for much of the contest, particularly in the opening half. Swarthmore held significant advantages in shots (18-5) and penalty corners (7-1), but were unable to capitalize on its scoring opportunities, while the Fords found the back of the net in the second and fourth quarters.

HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Garnet came out firing, recording five shots during their first offensive possession. Annika Hoyer struck the post with the game's first attempt before having another shot blocked. Avery Bloom also had an attempt blocked away, while Libby Castle put two shots on target from in front of the cage, but could not beat the Haverford goalie. Swarthmore controlled play throughout the opening stretch, holding a 10-0 advantage in shots and spending very little time in its defensive zone.

- Swarthmore created a couple of chances to open the second quarter, but had both attempts blocked. Sophie Wilchek then made an outstanding defensive play on a rare Haverford counterattack, breaking up a 2-on-1 opportunity and clearing the ball out of danger. However, the Fords broke through in the 25th minute, converting on their only shot of the quarter to take the lead.

- Haverford kept the Garnet on their heels during a scoreless third quarter, holding a 1-0 advantage in shots and increasing its time of possession. Josie Sarno came up with a key save to turn away the Fords' lone shot attempt and keep Swarthmore within striking distance.

- The Fords extended their lead with a quick strike in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a rebound after Sarno made a great save on the initial attempt. Swarthmore mounted a strong response in the 54th minute, putting three consecutive shots on goal from Wilchek, Bloom and Anna Schwartz, but Haverford's goalie turned away all three attempts to preserve her shutout.

GARNET LEADERS
Shots: Castle, Hoyer, Bloom, Wilchek, Jordan 3
Saves: Sarno 2

UP NEXT
The Garnet (11-5, 7-2) wrap up the regular season at No. 12 Franklin & Marshall College.