ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest field hockey team secured a 2-1 victory over Washington and Jefferson in its season finale on Wednesday at the FalconPlex.

The first quarter commenced with the Falcons and Presidents both eager to establish control. Cedar Crest junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) played a crucial role in maintaining a scoreless quarter, making key saves at 3:29 and 6:44. The home team offensive opportunities included a penalty corner by senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area) at 13:11, followed by shots from senior Olivia Horninger (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh) and sophomore Gracie Domingo-Whitfield (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro), both saved by sophomore Kaitlyn Wildermuth (Bayville, N.J.).

The Falcons gained momentum in the second stanza with a pivotal sequence, as Wanner scored the first goal of the contest at the 18:34 mark, marking her second goal of the season. Horninger had earlier challenged the Washington & Jefferson defense with a shot. The quarter concluded with Cedar Crest ahead, 1-0.

In the third quarter, the Falcons extended their lead with a goal at 39:30. Wanner, assisted by Horninger, scored her third goal of the season to make it 2-0. The home team's defense held firm, with Heater making crucial saves against the Presidents' attempts, including a blocked shot at 37:20 and another at 43:49. Junior Carly Piciullo (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) also contributed a defensive save at 44:40 following a penalty corner. The frame concluded with Cedar Crest maintaining a 2-0 lead.

In the final quarter, the Falcons maintained its scoring advantage despite a goal by the Washington & Jefferson senior Lily Giering (Reading, Pa.) at 47:25, which narrowed the lead to 2-1. Cedar Crest's defense, led by Heater with a key save earlier in the quarter, held firm as the game progressed. Wanner's penalty corners at 56:56 and 58:04 provided the home team with opportunities to extend their lead, but the team's efforts were thwarted by a blocked shot from Horninger at 58:18. The game ended with Cedar Crest securing a 2-1 victory.

Wanner scored two goals to lead the team's offensive efforts. Horninger contributed with an assist and registered four shots, two of which were on target. Heater made six saves in goal, allowing just one score over 60 minutes of play.

Junior Emily Bloom (Irwin, Pa.) registered an assist and recorded one shot on goal, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Giering stood out with a goal, leading the Presidents in shots with five and landing three on target. In goal, Wildermuth made four saves across 60 minutes, facing six shots in total.

The win ends the season for Cedar Crest (3-13 overall). Wasington & Jefferson sits at 5-11 overall.