IMMACULATA, Pa. – The Moravian College field hockey team had a gut-wrenching 1-0 loss from Friday fresh in its mind when it traveled to Immaculate University on Saturday afternoon.
The Greyhounds rebounded nicely and were on the positive side of a tight match this time as they scored a 2-1 victory over the Mighty Macs.
"We came out very strong compared to yesterday," said Head Coach Amy Endler, whose squad improved to 2-1 after games on back-to-back days. "We jumped on them right away, but we had a letdown allowing them to tie the game. We looked much sharper today, especially being more aggressive in the circle and using our passing game more effectively."
Senior midfielder Chelsea Grotyohann netted the game-winner in the 49th minute when she beat the Immaculata defense singlehandedly to create space for a shot. The shot almost broke through the back of the box and the ensuing thud echoed through Draper Walsh Stadium.
It was the senior star's first goal of the season, and from the look of her play on Saturday, it could be the first of many.
"She did a really nice job today," Endler said of her team captain, who put a total of four shots on goal. "She struggled early in the season with some injuries, but she is recovered and is in full stride now. She really stood out on the field today."
Moravian finally got its penalty corner prowess to translate to the scoreboard. The Greyhounds got on the board in the 19th minute when Grotyohann started the corner play with a pass out to junior midfielder Catherine Duffin, who made a swift pass to an open Keriann Badessa. The senior forward scored her first goal of the season for the 1-0 lead.
Immaculata drew even less than three minutes later when a ball took a bad bounce and deflected into the back of the Moravian cage.
The Mighty Macs nearly equalized a second time in the final moments of the match. Immaculata took two penalty corners in the final minute of play, and the Greyhound defense came up with a blocked shot to survive the tense closing seconds.
Senior goalkeeper Andrea Eck made three saves in the triumph, including back-to-back stops off Immaculate penalty corners in the 55th and 56th minutes.
"Andrea and our defense had to hold on during some stressful times in the game, including the last few seconds as time expired," Endler said. "It was nice to see them stick together during those tough times."
Moravian outshot Immaculata 24-6 on Saturday. Endler was pleased to only give up six shots, especially considering the Macs took eight penalty corners.
The Greyhounds hope Saturday was the start of a winning streak, which can continue on Wednesday when they host Cedar Crest College at 4 p.m. at Betty Prince Field.
