HARRISONBURG, Va. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team secured a 1-0 victory over Eastern Mennonite University on Sunday with a decisive third-quarter goal at EMU Turf Field.

The first quarter saw the Falcons creating multiple scoring opportunities but remained scoreless as they faced a strong defensive effort from the Royals. Junior Carly Piciullo (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) initiated the offensive push with a blocked shot just 47 seconds in, followed by another attempt from junior Sydney Jeker (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) at 12:17. Senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area) was pivotal in setting up three penalty corners at 0:49, 2:14, and 12:10, but despite Cedar Crest's persistent shooting, including Wanner's own shot saved by the goalie at 12:23, the quarter concluded with no goals from either side.

The second quarter saw a series of defensive plays from the Falcons, highlighted by junior Shelby Heater's (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) crucial save at 26:44, following a penalty corner by Eastern Mennonite. Cedar Crest managed to maintain a stalemate, keeping the score at 0-0 by the end of the quarter. 

The third quarter kicked off with intense defensive play, highlighted by multiple fouls from both teams. The Falcons capitalized on a scoring opportunity at the 42-minute mark when senior Olivia Moyer (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) scored the quarter's only goal, following a saved shot by Wanner. Cedar Crest maintained their lead, ending the quarter ahead 1-0.

The fourth quarter began with the Falcons applying offensive pressure as Wanner took two shots early, one saved by the Royals' first-year Emma Huante (Woodbridge, Va.), at 46:46. Cedar Crest continued to challenge the defense, securing two penalty corners by Wanner in quick succession at 47:34 and 47:46. Later in the period, senior Courtney Gibbons (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) also initiated consecutive penalty corners at 53:32 and 53:45, followed by shots from senior Olivia Horninger (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh), one of which was saved by Huante at 53:55. Despite these efforts, the period remained scoreless.

Moyer led Cedar Crest with a game-winning goal, marking her only shot on goal for the game. Wanner made a significant impact with a team-high of six shots, four of which were on target. Heater contributed to the team's defensive efforts, securing a shutout victory with one save over 60 minutes of play.

Huante delivered a strong performance for the Eastern Mennonite, recording six saves over 60 minutes while allowing only one goal. First-year Joni Wiederman (Spotsylvania, Va.) led the offensive effort with two shots, including one on goal. Juniors Kristen Andersen (Chesapeake, Va.) and Kaylin Ozuna (Fredricksburg, Va.) each contributed with a shot, adding to the team's attacking presence.

With the win, Cedar Crest improved to 1-1 on the season. The loss left the Royals at 0-2 on the year.

Looking ahead, the Falcons will host King's College (Pa.) on Thursday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. in Allentown, Pa. Eastern Mennonite will travel to Goucher College for its next game on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.