HUNTINGTON, Pa. – The Moravian College field hockey team launched a second-half comeback from a two-goal deficit against Juniata College, but the Eagles held on for a 2-1 victory on their home turf on Saturday afternoon in Landmark Conference action.
After the Eagles soared out to 2-0 lead in the first half, the Greyhounds (8-8, 1-4) came out of the intermission with a renewed sense of urgency and got on the board three minutes into the second half.
Junior midfielder Catherine Duffin received a pass from senior Chelsea Grotyohann and made a move around a defender to clear space for a shot. The ball skipped through a few Juniata defenders and into the left side of the cage for Duffin's sixth goal of the season.
Senior Kerriann Badessa and junior Cayley Wise both took shots on goal after the Greyhound tally, but the Eagles goalkeeper held her ground and helped Juniata (8-8, 4-0) remain undefeated in Landmark Conference play.
"We were down 2-0 at half, so to come back and have some opportunities in the second half was great for us," head coach Amy Endler said. "There was no giving up and we fought until the end. We just couldn't capitalize on the chances like they did. It was a tough way to finish a match."
Badessa led the team in shots with four, putting three of them on goal forcing the Eagles keeper to make saves. Sophomore forward Kelly O'Donnell put both of her shots on goal in the loss.
Senior Erin Gilbert continued her fantastic season on the Greyhound defense, coming up with her seventh defensive save of the season. The play broke a third-place tie for defensive saves in a season in the school record books. She also now stands alone in second place all-time with 11 career defensive saves.
Junior Valerie Male also added a defensive save in the contest, her first of the season.
"Our defense played very well, especially Bryn Tafuri," Endler said. "Our midfield play was also good, as always."
Senior goalkeeper Andrea Eck came up with seven saves in front of the cage for the Greyhounds.
Juniata held advantages in both shots taken (15-9) and penalty corners (11-7).
The Greyhounds have two weeks off from competition before their final match of the 2013 season on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Goucher College. That contest begins at 1 p.m. in Baltimore.
