Field Hockey Shuts Out McDaniel, 1-0
SWARTHMORE, Pa. - Freshman Beth Johnson's goal in the 25th minute and a stellar performance from the defense lifted the Swarthmore College field hockey team (6-7, 3-4) to a 1-0 victory over McDaniel (8-4, 3-3) on Saturday afternoon at Clothier Field.
The important win in regards to the Centennial Conference standings marks the first time the Garnet has defeated the Green Terror since 2006. The win also marks Swat's first shutout since October 13, 2010 against Muhlenberg.
Swarthmore came out strong in the first 15 minutes of play, launching several counter attacks - anchored by forwards Nia Jones and Katie Teleky - to put significant pressure on the Green Terror. Still, the Garnet was unable to convert due to a strong defensive effort by the Green Terror, including a defensive save by McDaniel junior Paige Messersmith at 12:59.
The Garnet's offensive persistence finally paid off in the 25th minute thanks to a great individual effort from the first-year Johnson. She beat the Green Terror's goalie, spun past two defenders, and rocketed the ball into the goal to give the Garnet a 1-0 lead that would stand up.
The Garnet continued to pressure the Green Terror for the rest of the half and ended the half with more corners (7-2) and more shots (10-7) than the Green Terror.
In the second half, the story was the Garnet defense, as it hung tight amid a late-game charge from the Green Terror.
Trying to preserve the win, the Garnet was given a scare by some near misses from McDaniel, including a key defensive save from junior Catie Meador's in the 65th minute that prevented the equalizer.
The Garnet defense, led by Meador (pictured), junior Allison Ranshous, junior Julia Tallarico and sophomore Anne Rosenblatt, went on to shut down the Green Terror for the remainder of the game and played a key factor in the win.
Also coming up big for the Garnet was goalie Gabriella Capone. She ended the game with six saves to earn her first career shutout.
The Garnet hopes to carry their momentum into the matchup against Centennial Conference opponent Muhlenberg on Wednesday at Clothier Field. Action is set for 4:30 p.m.
