Field Hockey Makes Statement With 3-2 Victory Over Johns Hopkins

SWARTHMORE, Pa.  - The streaking Swarthmore College field hockey team (4-4, 2-2) proved that it is a force to be reckoned with in the Centennial Conference by handing Johns Hopkins its first Centennial defeat of the season by the score of 3-2 on Saturday afternoon from a sunny Clothier Field Stadium.

Sophomore Nia Jones (pictured) scored a pair of goals and junior Allison Ranshous added one more to lift the Garnet to the victory. Sophomore Meghan Kellett and junior Maggie Phillips had one goal a piece for the Blue Jays (5-4, 2-1).

The win was Swarthmore's third consecutive and its first over Johns Hopkins since 2006.

The Garnet came out strong and notched its first goal of the contest in the third minute of play. Jones slipped one by the keeper off of a quick assist from junior Sophia Agathis.

The Garnet and the Blue Jays would continue to battle (equaling each other in both corners and shots) until Jones struck again. Her speed would pay off as she drilled the ball into the right corner of the goal off of a beautiful pass from sophomore Aarti Rao, making it 2-0 Swat at the 14-minute mark.

When it seemed like the Blue Jays would answer with a goal, goalie Gabriella Capone had a highlight-reel worthy save in the 16th minute. Capone punched the ball out of the air, igniting Swarthmore's defense for the remainder of the half.

To make the half even sweeter for the Garnet, Ranshous added a goal in the closing minutes (33:32) of the half. Her long blast was made possible by an assist from freshman Abby Lauder.  

In the second half, the Blue Jays responded to the Garnet's first-half onslaught. Despite aggressive defense from Capone in the opening minutes of the half, the Blue Jays were finally able to capitalize. Kellett scored off of a long cross from Hopkins junior Liane Tellier in the 49th minute.    

Down 3-1, the Blue Jays would continue to battle back in the second half. They outshot the Garnet 12-2 and dominated possession throughout the final 35 minutes. However, the Garnet's defense, anchored by Capone in goal, continued to frustrate the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays gave the Garnet a scare in the final minutes of the contest (67:23) when Phillips scored off of an assist from senior Carly Bianco, making it a 3-2 game. But that tally proved too little, too late for Hopkins, as the Garnet maintained possession for the majority of the final two minutes, milking the clock to hang on for the win.

Garnet goalie Capone ended the day with eight saves.

The Garnet look to vanquish another Centennial Conference opponent when it faces the Washington College Shorewomen on Wednesday, October 5th in Chestertown. Action is slated for 4:00 p.m.