ST. DAVID'S, Pa. – The Albright Lions field hockey team was unable to overcome an early deficit as they fell 4-1 to Eastern in the 2019 season opener on Friday afternoon in non-conference play.
Amber Auchenbach made her Albright coaching debut against the Eagles, who avenged a 3-2 defeat to the Lions at Shirk Stadium in the 2018 season opener. Today's contest was also the first game under the new NCAA field hockey rules that moved from two 35-minute halves to four 15-minute quarters.
Eastern came out red-hot to start as they scored two goals in the opening 2:52 of the first quarter as they controlled play early. After recording no shots in the first quarter, the Lions began to settle in and would cash in in the 24
th minute to make it a 2-1 game. Junior
Bailey Lehman notched the Lions first goal of the 2019 season following a strong pass from senior
Marley Berger off a penalty corner. Albright nearly tied the game two minutes later as junior
Nicole Crumling had a shot saved in front by the Eagles goalkeeper. The Eagles also nearly scored in the final minutes as well as one shot hit the post before a second shot was saved by junior goalkeeper
Brynne Schoppe.
The Lions had some early momentum in the third quarter, but were unable to cash in on any opportunities to potentially tie the game. However, Eastern would strike again in the 44
th minute to extend its lead out to 3-1 following a redirected shot that was lifted from a penalty corner opportunity. Schoppe then had to make three saves in the final minute to keep it a two-goal game. The Eagles would then put the finishing touches on their win by scoring a fourth goal 2:19 into the final quarter off a breakaway. Lehman would have two good chances saved in the 57
th minute before senior
Kyra Scerbo had a shot hit the post with 38 seconds left in regulation.
The Eagles held a 14-8 advantage in shots, and 11-4 advantage in shots on goal. Albright held a 7-5 advantage on penalty corners. Schoppe suffered the loss after making six saves in the full 60 minutes, while Eagles goalkeeper Kylie Troyer made three saves to earn the win in 60 minutes. Ali Balmer led the Eagles with three points.
Albright will return to action on Sunday, September 1
st as they will host Stockton for their home opener at 12 p.m.