ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team fell to Moravian University, 3-0, on Wednesday afternoon at the FalconPlex.

The opening quarter saw Falcons' junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) making a strong defensive stand, recording multiple saves against attacks from the Greyhounds, including a crucial stop at 2:55 and another at 12:03. Despite frequent fouls from both teams, Cedar Crest's defense, highlighted by first-year Taylor Dotter's (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area) defensive save at 3:10, remained unyielding, keeping the score level at 0-0 by the end of the quarter. Moravian applied pressure with several penalty corners, but the Falcons' defense held firm to close the quarter without conceding.

The second quarter began with a strong defensive showing from Cedar Crest, highlighted by Heater's crucial saves, including stopping shots from junior Maddie Snyder at both 22:09 and 26:37. Cedar Crest's offensive efforts included penalty corners taken by senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area) at 16:39 and 19:25, with Dotter and junior Carly Piciullo (Brick, N.J./Brick Memorial) each recording shots on goal, both of which were saved by Moravian's goalkeeper junior Maia Machado, keeping the game scoreless. The quarter ended without a change in the score.

The third quarter commenced with the Greyhounds seizing an early advantage, as senior Gia Ambrosino scored at 31:21 with an assist from senior Megan Felmly, followed shortly by Snyder's goal at 32:06. Heater displayed resilience, making multiple crucial saves, including at 34:21 and 37:04, to keep the team in contention. A pivotal moment came at 44:16, when Cedar Crest junior Courtney Gibbons (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) earned a penalty corner, leading to Dotter's shot, which was saved by Machado.

The fourth quarter began with defensive intensity from the Falcons, highlighted by a save from Heater at 48:36 following a penalty corner by Moravian. Despite Heater's efforts, sophomore Shawna Mamrak scored at 53:24, assisted by Ambrosino, extending the visitor's lead. Cedar Crest continued to battle, with Heater making another save at 58:21, but the quarter concluded with a scoreless offensive effort from the home team.

Heater stood out with 13 saves over 60 minutes, facing 16 shots on goal. Dotter created offensive pressure by registering three shots on goal. Gibbons contributed defensively with one defensive save. Piciullo added to the attack, landing her only shot on goal.

Mamrak made her mark by scoring one goal on her lone shot attempt, demonstrating precision in her offensive effort. Snyder also found the back of the net, contributing one goal and leading the team with seven shots, six of which were on target. Ambrosino showcased her all-around skills, notching one goal and one assist, and topping the charts with seven shots, including four on goal, along with the game-winning goal. Sophomore Samantha Culver played a crucial role with four shot attempts, three of which were on target, providing consistent pressure in the attack. Felmly added value to the team's play by recording an assist and tallying four shots, three of which were on goal.

In their next game, Cedar Crest (2-3 overall) will travel to face Elmira College on Saturday, September 13, with the action beginning at noon. Moravian (1-3 overall) will return to action on Saturday at William Paterson University at 4:00 p.m.