Field hockey picks up loss to Crusaders

The Rangers suffered a crucial 4-1 loss to the number two seated team in the conference, Susquehanna University, this past Saturday.

This loss results in a three-way tie for the last two spots in the conference alongside Juniata College and the University of Scranton.

The Rangers stole momentum, bringing the game to 3-1 in the beginning of the second half. However, the Crusaders came back, quickly adding the final goal of the game.

"I think we definitely had the opportunity to prove ourselves against Susquehanna, but we just couldn't make it happen," Kati Eggert ('11) said.

Seventeen minutes into play, Susquehanna's Maggie Kramer redirected the ball from a long hit to score the first goal of the game. Keeping a close game, the Rangers' defense tried to end the half only down by one.

However, with five minutes remaining in the first half, the Crusaders capitalized off of an intercepted pass by Andrea Fiori, who then slipped one past the Rangers.

Drew was down by two going into the second half. Five minutes in, Susquehanna's Andrea Fiori was in front of the goal again to redirect the ball, getting herself a second goal of the game and bringing the score to 3-0.

It was time for Drew to get back control of the game. With plenty of time to play, the Rangers executed a penalty corner in routine fashion. Eggert inserted the ball to Lizz Law ('10) and Nicole DiBattista ('10) redirected in for the Rangers' first goal of the game.

Drew's defense really stepped up at this point, with excellent tackles from Delia Barr ('10) and Stacie Brown ('11).

Furthermore, goalkeeper Stef Rutkowski ('10) made excellent saves, including a high-lifted shot she deflected wide. However, the momentum could not stay on Drew's side. With 10 minutes left, Susquehanna put their 4th and final goal of the game in. The Crusaders' Maggie Kramer deflected a pass in front of the goal, scoring her 2nd goal of the game.

The final ended in a disappointing 4-1 loss for our Drew Rangers. However, the Rangers still have a great opportunity to make it to the Landmark Conference Playoffs. With a win tomorrow against Moravian, Drew could have the chance to compete in postseason.

"Moravian is going to be a tough game because we play on grass, but that is no excuse. We've had a week to practice for it, on turf and grass, so we are physically prepared for it," Eggert said.

The Rangers' record is 8-9 and 2-3 in the Conference.

"We've said it from the beginning that we wanted to make championships and that is our goal right now," Eggert said. Barr expressed the same feelings as her teammate. "Going to the Landmark championship has been our goal since August and we have to prove we want it," she said.