ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team fell to Lancaster Bible College 2-1 in overtime in a tightly contested United East Conference game at the FalconPlex on Saturday. The Falcons managed a goal in the third quarter but could not overcome the Chargers' second half goal and the eventual game-winner in overtime.

The first quarter began with both teams establishing their defensive setups, with junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) starting at goalie for Cedar Crest. The Falcons earned a pivotal penalty corner at the 13:36 mark, taken by senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area), though it did not result in a score. Lancaster Bible first-year Ayla Zwally (Newmantown, Pa.) received a green card shortly after, impacting their lineup temporarily. The quarter ended with neither team finding the net, leaving the score tied at 0-0.

Cedar Crest initiated multiple offensive opportunities in the second quarter, highlighted by three penalty corners. Senior Olivia Horninger (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh) and Wanner orchestrated these set plays, with Horninger's shot on goal at 21:58 being notably saved by senior Amanda Hoover (Bowmansville, Pa.). Despite offensive pressure, the Falcons' attempts, including a shot by junior Reagan Ferst (Hazleton, Pa./Hazleton Area) and another by Wanner, did not find the back of the net. The quarter concluded without a change in the scoreboard, as both teams remained scoreless at the end of the half.

Cedar Crest broke the deadlock in the third quarter with Horninger's goal at 40:50, marking her second goal of the season. The frame saw the Falcons applying pressure with multiple attempts, including two saves by Hoover and a wide shot by Wanner. The home team maintained their lead, concluding the quarter ahead with a 1-0 score.

In the fourth quarter, Cedar Crest faced pressure from the Chargers, highlighted by a series of penalty corners. Despite a strong defensive effort, including multiple saves by Heater, Lancaster Bible tied the game with a goal by junior Julia Petrie (Doylestown, Pa.) at 57:05. The Falcons mounted a counterattack with a late penalty corner at 58:34, but junior Carly Piciullo's (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) shot went wide. The quarter ended with the score tied 1-1, sending the game to overtime.

In the overtime period, Cedar Crest's defense, anchored by Heater, initially held firm against Lancaster Bible, with Heater making crucial saves against two shots by first- year Bailey Simmons (Lusby, Md.). At 64:45, Simmons scored with an assist from junior Riley Danko (Newport, Pa.), bringing the game to a close.

Horninger scored one goal and took four shots, including three on target. Junior Sydney Jeker (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) recorded two shots, both of which were on goal. Heater made five saves over 64:45 in the cage.

Simmons led the Chargers, notching a critical game-winning goal among her four shots, with three on target. Petrie contributed with precision, scoring on her sole shot attempt. In goal, Hoover delivered a strong performance, recording six saves to keep the opposition at bay. Danko added to the team's offensive efforts, providing an assist and maintaining a perfect shooting accuracy with all three of her shots on goal.

With the loss, Cedar Crest (2-13 overall, 0-4 United East) has been eliminated from postseason play, but will conclude their season on Wednesday, October 29 at home against Washington & Jefferson College at 4:00 p.m.