Worcester, Mass. – The Adelphi University field hockey (13-7, 7-2 NE10) team's postseason run came to an end on Friday evening, as the Panthers suffered a hard-fought 1-0 loss to Assumption University (15-4, 8-1 NE10) in the conference semifinals. After a scoreless opening half, the Greyhounds broke through just over three minutes into the third quarter to take a 1-0 advantage. Despite a strong defensive effort from the Brown and Gold, highlighted by 10 saves from goalkeeper Tayla Szmak, Adelphi was unable to find the equalizer down the stretch.
Series History:
- Adelphi falls to 11-13 all-time against Assumption.
- Friday marked the 24th all-time meeting between the two programs, dating back to 2008.
- The Panthers are now 4-8 all-time on the road against the Greyhounds.
- The last five meetings between the two programs in Worcester have each been decided by one goal.
Highlights:
- Szmak recorded 10 saves in the cage, matching her season high set against Assumption on Oct. 6.
- Sydney Flores led the Panthers offensively with three shots, including two on goal.
- Adelphi finished with 11 shots, six on target, while holding a 6-3 advantage in penalty corners.
- The Brown and Gold generated four shots in the final quarter, their highest total of any period.
How It Happened:
- Assumption applied pressure early in the opening quarter, outshooting Adelphi 6-2. Szmak stood strong in the cage, turning aside four shots to keep the contest scoreless through the first 15 minutes.
- The Panthers continued to battle defensively in the second frame, as Szmak added three more saves. Adelphi generated two shots and earned a pair of penalty corners, but neither side could break through before halftime.
- The Greyhounds finally broke the deadlock at the 33:01 mark of the third quarter, as Marta Brzoska found the back of the cage to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
- Assumption continued to apply pressure throughout the third, recording nine shots in the period. Szmak made three additional saves to keep the deficit at one heading into the final 15 minutes.
- The Brown and Gold pushed for the equalizer in the fourth quarter, outshooting the Greyhounds 4-2 and earning two penalty corners. Despite the late offensive pressure, Assumption held on to secure the 1-0 victory and advance to the conference championship.
