ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team lost a 2-0 decision to Manhattanville University on Tuesday night at the FalconPlex.

The Falcons initiated the first quarter with early offensive efforts, as sophomore Gracie Domingo-Whitfield (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) took an initial shot, which went wide. Shortly after, senior Olivia Wanner's (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area) penalty corner created a scoring opportunity, but her shot was saved junior goalkeeper Hannah Doherty (Clarkstown, N.Y.). Cedar Crest continued to press with another penalty corner at the 12:20 mark, leading to junior Sydney Jeker's (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) shot that narrowly missed the target. Despite the efforts, the quarter concluded without any goals from either team, with the scoreboard remaining level at 0-0.

The Falcons started the second quarter with a strong offensive presence, earning multiple penalty corners. Wanner was instrumental, executing several corners and taking shots on goal, though H. Doherty managed to make crucial saves, keeping the score unchanged. Cedar Crest's persistent attacks, including shots from junior Reagan Ferst (Hazleton, Pa./Hazleton Area) and senior Olivia Moyer (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas), the Valiants' defense held firm. The stanza ended with a scoreless tie, as both teams remained defensively sound, closing the half at 0-0.

The third quarter began with the Falcons facing a deficit after junior Kiera Guinan (Seaford, N.Y.) scored at 31:32, assisted by junior Shannon Keena (Pearl River, N.Y.). Cedar Crest responded with multiple offensive opportunities, including a penalty corner by Wanner at 32:38, followed by a shot from Jeker that was saved. Throughout the quarter, the Falcons maintained pressure with additional penalty corners and shots, yet they couldn't convert the shots into a goal. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest trailing 1-0, despite their persistent attempts to equalize.

The fourth quarter started with the Falcons seeking to shift the momentum. Wanner attempted an early shot at 46:05, but it went wide. As the frame unfolded, Manhattanville capitalized on a penalty corner at 49:32, with junior Fiona Doherty (Clarkstown, N.Y.) scoring, assisted by Keena, increasing their lead to 2-0. Cedar Crest continued to press offensively, earning a penalty corner at 57:56. Jeker and senior Olivia Horninger (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh) each took shots, with Horninger's efforts blocked and saved by H. Doherty. Despite the late push, the Falcons could not break through the defense, and the contest concluded with Manhattanville claiming the 2-0 win.

Jeker registered four shots for Cedar Crest, with one on target. Wanner contributed significantly, matching Jeker's four shots and three of them on goal. Heater made five saves in goal. Ferst added to the attack with two shots, one of which was on target.

Cedar Crest (2-12 overall) stays home to host Lancaster Bible College for its final conference game of the season on Saturday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. The game also marks Senior Day along with Homecoming. Manhattanville (5-9 overall) will next face Marywood University in a conference tilt on the road on Saturday at noon.