BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Moravian College field hockey team had its five-game winning streak come to an end by way of a 4-1 loss to No. 18 The Catholic University of America on Saturday afternoon at Betty Prince Field.
After the nationally-ranked Cardinals (6-4, 1-1) scored the first three goals of the match – two of which came in the first half – midfielder Chelsea Grotyohann celebrated Senior Day with her team-leading seventh goal of the season for the Greyhounds (8-4, 1-1), assisted by sophomore defender Rebecca Hamel.
Grotyohann started a penalty corner play in the 42nd minute, then found her way deep into the Catholic circle as the Greyhounds swung a pass sequence around the field. Hamel took a bouncing shot, which Grotyohann cleaned up for the score. The senior's goal was one of a number of positives head coach Amy Endler took from the match.
"They're a tough team, but they're not unbeatable," Endler said. "I thought we matched up pretty well with them. They executed on their opportunities, and we did not. I'm disappointed we didn't win, but I'm pleased with the effort and we learned a lot. We learned that Catholic is not untouchable if we see them again."
The Cardinals scored in the 6th and 15th minutes to get out to an early first-half lead while outshooting the Greyhounds 6-1 before the break. Moravian picked up the intensity in the second half, getting off four shots compared to Catholic's five. The Cardinals scored again in the 39th minute to push the lead to 3-0, and made the final score 4-1 with a tally in the 48th.
With a five-game winning streak coming to an end, Endler said the Greyhounds' attention will turn to making another note in the Moravian history books.
"It was exciting following the stats that were coming out about our streak," said Endler, whose squad won five in a row for the first time since 1992 when Endler was a student at Moravian. "The girls were really excited about it, and now they turn their attention to making the playoffs for the first time ever. We have five games left. Going on another streak should get us there. We have our work cut out for us over the next couple weeks, but we're up for the challenge."
Another pair of seniors shined on the defensive end for Moravian. Goalkeeper Andrea Eck came up with five saves and faced a total of 12 Cardinal penalty corners. Defender Erin Gilbert made a defensive save in the 66th minute. It was her seventh career defensive save, which is tied for third all-time in school history. Grotyohann scored her 51st career point for the Greyhounds.
"Andrea, Erin and Chelsea have been key members of this team for four years," Endler said. "It has been an honor to see them progress on this team since they were freshmen. I'm so happy for them to see them succeed and be part of a winning team. They have worked so hard."
Forward Keriann Badessa, who missed Saturday's match with an injury, also celebrated Senior Day. Badessa is in her second year with the club after transferring from Division I LaSalle University. She has six goals and two assists in 2013.
"Kerri came in as a transfer and meshed so well with our team," Endler said. "I wish she was here all four years. She has fit in so well."
The Greyhounds will attempt to start a new streak beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Rocco Calvo Field against The University of Scranton at 4 p.m. It is the annual Pink Game for the Greyhounds and fans are encouraged to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
