HAVERFORD, Pa.– Eastern University Field Hockey dropped a 1-0 decision in a defensive battle at nearby rival Haverford College. The Fords found the only goal of the match early in the third quarter and held off a late Eastern push to secure the win.
Abby Agapito made six saves and managed the circle very well in her first official college game.
The first half belonged to the hosts. Haverford controlled both possession and field position, but the Eastern defense fought off eight first-half penalty corners and Agapito was in position with a couple strong saves to keep the game level.
Lily White and newcomer
Grace Wise anchored the defensive effort and kept the Fords from getting shots at good angles. Haverford fired ten shots before half, while the Eagles made only a couple journeys into the opposing circle.
Even with the Fords controlling the action, the game went to intermission tied. Haverford scored the lone goal of the match after a pair of Agapito saves. The sophomore goalie kicked a save toward the corner to her left, but Haverford's Olivia Ahart was in position to collect the rebound and fire a hard cross toward the middle of the circle where teammate Ravenel Davis lifted a shot over Agapito's shoulder and into the cage.
Almost immediately after the Haverford goal, the Eastern attack gained steam. The Eagles found steady possession in the Haverford half and were able to win balls back with regularity. Eastern earned three penalty corners in the final five minutes of the frame and had their best chance to score drift just wide as
Hailey Ferry earned the circle in transition.
The Eagles continued to press forward and work to deny Haverford chances in transition through the final whistle, but the Haverford defense held its ground and made the 1-0 result stand.
"During the first and second quarter breaks the team really listened well to our instruction," Head Coach
Camrin Azzarano said after the game. "We began to find the formation we needed to beat the press and generate our attack. We are pleased with the attitudes and work ethic shown today and believe we will learn a lot from it."
The Eagles open the home portion of their schedule this Saturday at 11:00 am against Immaculata.
