ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team was defeated by to St. Mary's College of Maryland, 8-0, on Saturday afternoon in a United East Conference contest.

The Falcons began the first quarter with junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) in goal, facing an aggressive Seahawks' offense. Despite multiple saves by Heater, including two early stops against senior senior Sofia Lopez (Timonium, Md.) and senior Elena Pasko (New Freedom, Pa.), St. Mary's took a 1-0 lead with Lopez scoring at 2:43, assisted by Pasko. The quarter continued with persistent pressure from the home team as senior Brenna Ziegler (Newark, Del.) increased their lead to 2-0 at 8:45. The Cedar Crest defense was tested repeatedly, with Heater making several crucial saves. However, Ziegler found the net again at 13:15, bringing the score to 3-0 by the end of the quarter.

In the second stanza, the Seahawks broke through with a goal by senior Emma Watkins (Frederick, Md.) at 20:50, assisted by Pasko. The home team continued to press, adding goals from senior Josie Shermeyer (Harrisburg, Pa.) and sophomore Olivia Schwendeman (Mariottsville, Md.) to widen the gap. The Falcons' defense faced persistent pressure, with Heater making pivotal saves. St. Mary's further extended their lead with a goal from first-year Kristina Wujciak (Gainesville, Va.), assisted by Schwendeman, closing the quarter with Cedar Crest trailing 7-0.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Seahawks capitalized on a penalty corner, with Schwendeman scoring at 56:46, assisted by first-year Josie Mascolo (Leonardtown, Md.), extending their lead to 8-0, the eventual final.

Heater recorded eight saves in the match. Sophomore Sofia Kent (Chesterville, Md.) did not face a shot in the win for St. Mary's.

Cedar Crest (2-11 overall, 0-3 United East) will next host Manhattanville University on Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 p.m. St. Mary's (10-4 overall, 3-0 United East) will next face top-ranked Christopher Newport University on the road on Wednesday, October 22 at 6:00 p.m.