ELMIRA, N.Y. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team was edged out by Elmira College with a 3-2 final in double overtime on Saturday at Campus Field. 

The first quarter saw the Falcons' defense, led by junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area), withstand an early barrage from the Soaring Eagles, making crucial saves within the opening minutes. Elmira broke through with a goal from junior Madison Fleming (Harpursville, N.Y.) at 5:50. Cedar Crest held firm for the remainder of the quarter, keeping the score at 1-0 by the end of the first 15 minutes.

The second quarter began with the Falcons quickly capitalizing on a penalty corner as senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area) scored her first goal of the season at 17:25, assisted by first-year Taylor Dotter (Northampton, Pa./Northampton Area). The Soaring Eagles applied pressure with a series of penalty corners but were repeatedly stymied by strong goalkeeping from Heater. Cedar Crest's offensive persistence paid off again at 29:39 when first-year Maddie Farace (Fairfield, Pa./Fairfield) broke the tie, securing a 2-1 lead by the end of the quarter.

The third quarter started with Elmira leveling the score at 2-2 as Fleming netted a goal with an assist from junior Caitlin Ehlenfield (East Aurora, N.Y.) at 34:59. The Falcons responded with offensive pressure, including two shots by sophomore Gracie Domingo-Whitfield (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) and one by Wanner, both saved by senior Angelina Caban (Bronx, N.Y.). Despite a penalty corner opportunity taken by Wanner at 42:42, Cedar Crest was unable to convert, leaving the score tied at the end of the quarter.

The fourth quarter opened with a blocked shot attempt by Domingo-Whitfield at 48:35. The Soaring Eagles' offensive efforts were thwarted repeatedly as Heater made crucial saves against shots from sophomore Talia Nash (Marcy, N.Y.) and first-year Haley Henderson (Camden, N.Y.), maintaining the scoreline. The Falcons applied pressure with penalty corners taken by Wanner at 55:46 and 58:06, with junior Sydney Jeker (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) attempting a shot that went wide, concluding the quarter with a 2-2 tie.

The overtime period commenced with Elmira applying early pressure, as Ehlenfield and first-year Riley Dutcher both tested Heater with shots at 61:38 and 62:52, respectively, but the junior stood firm with key saves. Cedar Crest responded with offensive efforts of their own, notably with Wanner and senior Olivia Horninger (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh) attempting to break the deadlock, though their shots went wide or were saved by Caban. Despite intense exchanges and a brief timeout, the score remained tied at the end of the period, concluding the game at 2-2.

The second overtime period commenced with Cedar Crest looking to defend against the Soaring Eagles' offensive efforts. Heater made a crucial save at 72:00, denying a shot by sophomore Nicole Luther (Pittsford, N.Y.) and keeping the score tied. However, at 74:09, Nash scored on a penalty stroke, marking her first goal of the season and securing a 3-2 victory for the home team.

Farace scored one goal, converting both of her shots on target for the Falcons. Wanner notched one goal and led the team with six shots, five of which were on goal. Dotter contributed to the team's efforts with one assist, aiding in the offensive play. In goal, Heater recorded 14 saves, facing 17 shots throughout the contest.

Fleming guided the Soaring Eagles with two goals, converting four of her five shots on goal. Nash stood out with a game-winning goal among her seven total shots, all on target. Caban contributed significantly with six saves over 74 minutes, securing a crucial victory.

Cedar Crest (2-4 overall) continues its three-game road trip at Gwynedd Mercy University on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:00 p.m. Elmira (1-3 overall) begins conference play with its next contest as it hosts SUNY Brockport on Saturday, September 20 at 4:00 p.m.