West Chester, Pa. – The Adelphi University field hockey team dropped a hard-fought road contest to no. 4 West Chester University on Wednesday afternoon, falling by a final score of 4-1.

The Panthers came out strong in the opening quarter, creating multiple scoring opportunities. Shots from Lana Mignon De Wet and Sydney Rossacci tested the Rams' defense early, but neither attempt found the back of the cage. On the defensive end, starting goalkeeper Allison Gregory made a key save on West Chester's only shot of the frame, keeping the game scoreless through 15 minutes.

West Chester shifted momentum coming out of the first break, pressing with two early penalty corners and three shots on goal. Gregory stood tall in net, but the home team broke the tie on a penalty stroke midway through the second quarter. Adelphi pushed back in the closing minutes of the half with chances from Rossacci, Caroline Beakes, and Kelly Johnson, but the Panthers went into the break trailing 1-0.

The third quarter saw the Rams extend their lead to 2-0, despite a highlight defensive save from freshman Mart Alvarez Auguet, marking the first of her collegiate career.

Adelphi clawed back in the fourth, cutting the deficit in half. De Wet delivered a sharp pass into the circle, where Johnson made a dazzling move and executed a diving backhand finish to put the Panthers on the board. However, West Chester responded quickly. After three penalty corners and a defensive save by Olivia Docyk, they managed to sneak another shot past Gregory to regain a two-goal advantage.

With less than two minutes remaining, the Rams added an insurance goal, sealing the game and sending the Panthers home with a 4-1 loss.

Head coach Jess Mulhern and the Panthers return to action this Saturday, Sept. 20, as they host Franklin Pierce University in their home opener at noon.