BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Moravian College field hockey team fell to Arcadia University, 1-0, on Friday afternoon, but walked off the Rocco Calvo Field turf with heads high.
The Greyhounds (1-1) relished in the silver lining after dominating the second half of play fighting for an equalizer. The Knights (2-1) took the lead in the 11th minute off a penalty corner, but only recorded two shots after the opening tally. Head Coach Amy Endler saw her squad raise the level of intensity towards the end of the first half.
"Their goal woke us up a little bit," Endler said. "This is field hockey; it's very hard to play from behind when goals are at a premium. We can't put ourselves in a hole like that, but I'm pleased with the way we fought back. We dominated the second half, we just couldn't find the back of the cage."
Moravian failed to convert on one of its strengths this season: the penalty corner. They took four in the second half and did not surrender one to Arcadia. It was a recipe for success, but the ball did not bounce the Greyhounds way.
Senior defender Erin Gilbert played on the solid Moravian back line and agreed that a faster start to the game could have made the difference on Friday afternoon.
"We have to come out stronger next time," said Gilbert, who played all 70 minutes on defense. "We played phenomenally in the second half and worked together. If we don't come out strong, it's going to set us back. That's what happened today and we learned a good lesson."
Gilbert and the Greyhound defenders' only setback came on the penalty corner in the 11th minute. The Knights scored on a direct shot that rocketed past senior goalkeeper Andrea Eck, who was not forced to make any saves on Friday thanks to otherwise stingy defending.
Moravian outshot its opposition 8-3 on a hot and cloudless afternoon. The steamy weather reminded Endler of what she hopes her offense can become. A hot start and a few goals can get this team rolling.
"I'm pleased with the effort," Endler said. "We just have to clean up a few things. The girls worked so hard and the skill was great today, so it's disappointing to take a loss. Our midfield played well, as did our forward line creating opportunities. We also got a little unlucky on our penalty corner plays."
Endler and Gilbert both expressed excitement toward this weekend's short turnaround. The small improvements and short-term goals are fresh in their minds as they hunt down their second win of the 2013 season. The Greyhounds are back in action on Saturday at Immaculata University for a 3 p.m. non-conference match.
