ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team was edged by King's College (Pa.) in a tense 1-0 overtime loss, as the Monarchs secured the win with a golden goal in the first overtime.

The first quarter saw intense defensive efforts from the Falcons, highlighted by sophomore Shelby Heater's (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area) crucial save against a shot attempt at 5:50. Sophomore Gracie Domingo-Whitfield (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) responded with Cedar Crest College's lone shot on goal, which was saved by junior Emily Bollinger (Palmerton, Pa.). The quarter concluded with a penalty corner opportunity for the Falcons, executed by senior Olivia Horninger (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh) at 14:55, setting a strategic tone as the teams remained scoreless.

The second quarter began with strong defensive plays from both teams, as Cedar Crest College senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area), first-year Zoe Roth (Catasauqua, Pa./Catasauqua), and Horninger each took shots on goal, all saved by Bollinger.

In a tightly contested third quarter, both teams struggled to break through a defensive stalemate. First-year Maddie Farace (Fairfield, Pa./Fairfield) attempted to put the home team on the board with a shot at 34:05, but it was stopped by Bollinger. Cedar Crest's defense, led by Heater, was tested on multiple occasions, notably making a crucial save against another shot following a penalty corner at 38:51. Neither team could capitalize, leaving the score unchanged by the end of the quarter.

The overtime period began with a tense defensive showdown, as Cedar Crest and the Monarchs exchanged fouls early on. Heater delivered a standout performance with three saves, including two consecutive stops against junior Davina Krappa (Duryea, Pa.) at the 67:06 and 67:11 marks. However, the persistent pressure from King's College (Pa.) culminated in a goal by junior Melanie Tlatenchi (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) at 67:18, assisted by junior Shaylee Heffron (Plymouth, Pa.), concluding the period with Cedar Crest trailing 1-0.

Heater recorded six saves in the contest, facing seven shots on goal. Horninger and Wanner each registered two shots on goal, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Junior Sydney Jeker (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) also added one shot on goal, maintaining pressure on the opposing defense.

Tlatenchi scored a decisive game-winning goal, converting one of her two shots on target. Heffron contributed with an assist, providing a crucial setup for her teammates. Bollinger was pivotal in defense, recording seven saves to secure a shutout, with her efforts spread across all four quarters.
 
Cedar Crest (1-2 overall) will welcome in Alfred University on September 6, with action beginning at 2:00 p.m. King's (1-1 overall) will return to action at Immaculata University on Saturday at 11:00 a.m.