Helen Bradley
Staff Writer
The sun came out for ESU Field Hockey’s senior day on Saturday.
With even seniors being recognized and thanked for their contributions to the program and the team, the day was slightly sad.
The event was filled with anticipation of farewelling their collegiate careers at the end of this season, but also very much full of joy and excitement to play the game they love once again.
Through a tunnel of sticks and cheering teammates, seniors, Makenna Marhefka, Bailey Quinn, Karisa Turner, Kelli Shapiro, Ashley Ceschini, Paige Harrold and Amanda Crampton, entered the field with their families before being honored with gifts and flowers.
An honorary pushback to commemorate senior, Amanda Crampton, whoPhoto had to miss her final season due to an injury, commenced the game. From there it was a game of goals for the Warriors.
Seton Hill held the Warriors goalless until 12:58 in the first half when senior, Kelli Shapiro, started the winning streak.
ESU dominated the game with the ball hardly leaving their attacking 50.
Less than three minutes later, freshmen, Hannah Barbush, scored the second goal of the game as well as her first collegiate goal off a reverse stick slide from the top of the circle.
Senior, Bailey Quinn, added to the score, sending a low hit from the top of the circle right into the back of the goal cage.
Shapiro sealed a second goal in the second half, adding to her senior day experience. Contributing to the score, freshmen, Taylor Gramberg, Morgan Mesenbrink and Morgan Mullan all recorded their first collegiate goals.
Freshmen, Becca Heffner, and sophomore, Samantha Bruttomesso-Clarke, also achieved their first assists of the season.
Seton Hill fought back though, creating three penalty corners across the game and saving two shots.
However, ESU was just too strong, outshooting the Griffins 17-2 and junior goalkeeper, Maddie Richie, was not forced to make a save throughout the game.
The Warriors also created a multitude of scoring opportunities with eight penalty corners through both halves of the game.
Overall, nine different players contributed to the high-scoring game.
The flood of goals also resulted in more underclassmen whom often don’t see field time, receiving the opportunity to play quality minutes.
As final five minutes of the second half began, the six seniors had a bit of fun to finish out the game, performing in positions outside of their usual area.
The girls achieved their 13th win of the season, 8th in PSAC play, in the best way; by having fun and enjoying themselves.
The Warriors look to improve their record on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Mansfield.
Make sure you come out to support the girls!
Email Helen at:
hbradley2@live.esu.edu
