ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team was dealt a 4-0 loss by Penn State Harrisburg in a United East Conference contest on Saturday morning at the FalconPlex.

The first quarter began with the Falcons strong defensive presence, as junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) made critical saves against early attempts from the Lions. Heater stopped shots from sophomore Anna Moyer (Lebanon, Pa.) and first-year Victoria Castano Colman (State College, Pa.), maintaining a scoreless tie. Cedar Crest's defense held firm, closing the quarter with the score at 0-0.

The second quarter began with the Falcons' defense being tested as sophomore Sara Yeselavage (Harrisburg, Pa.) fired a shot that was saved by Heater. Moments later, sophomore Sadie Cook (Christiana, Pa.) scored the quarter's only goal, assisted by fifth-year Ami Mattingly (Mechanicsburg, Pa.), giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Cedar Crest continued to defend effectively, with Heater making another crucial save against Mattingly and blocking a shot by sophomore Astrid Comp (Enola, Pa.), keeping the deficit to one goal as the quarter concluded.

The third quarter began with a strong defensive effort from the Falcons, as junior Courtney Gibbons (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) executed two key defensive saves against shots by Comp and Cook. Heater further bolstered the defense with a crucial save on a penalty shot by Mattingly, maintaining the scoreline early in the stanza. Despite Cedar Crest's defensive efforts, Penn State Harrisburg broke through as Mattingly scored twice, increasing their lead. The quarter closed with the Lions leading, 3-0.

The fourth quarter commenced with the Falcons holding a firm defensive position against the Lions' offensive efforts. Despite multiple penalty corners and shots by the visitors, Cedar Crest's defense held strong, blocking several attempts, including shots from Comp and junior Bailey Rucker (Littlestown, Pa.). In the closing minutes, Penn State Harrisburg finally capitalized on their sustained pressure, with Castano Colman scoring a goal at 59:24, extending their lead. 

Heater recorded eight saves in the match for the Falcons. Junior Macenzie Mulholland (Carlisle, Pa.) stood strong in goal, securing a shutout in her 60 minutes of play.

In their next game, Cedar Crest (2-10 overall, 0-2 United East) will travel to face St. Mary's College of Maryland on Saturday, October 18 at 1:00 p.m. Penn State Harrisburg (10-1 overall, 2-0 United East) returns to action at St. Mary's College of Maryland on Wednesday, October 15 at 5:00 p.m.