ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The Cedar Crest College field hockey team dominated Alfred University with a decisive 6-0 victory at FalconPlex, fueled by an 18-shot on goal performance and a shutout by junior Shelby Heater (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton Area).

Cedar Crest established early dominance in the first quarter with multiple offensive efforts, beginning with senior Olivia Horninger's (Friedens, Pa./Northern Lehigh) two attempts that were thwarted by Saxons' junior goalie, Molly Howlett (Brockport, N.Y.). Cedar Crest's persistence paid off at 4:25 as first-year Maddie Farace (Fairfield, Pa./Fairfield) scored the opening goal of the game, assisted by senior Olivia Wanner (Lyons, Pa./Kutztown Area), marking Farace's first goal of the season. Later in the quarter, the Falcons extended their lead to 2-0 when sophomore Gracie Domingo-Whitfield (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro) found the back of the net at 13:26, with Horninger providing the assist.

The second quarter began with Cedar Crest demonstrating offensive pressure, highlighted by senior Olivia Moyer's (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y./Walter Panas) goal at 22:55, marking her second of the season. Junior Courtney Gibbons (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) was instrumental, executing multiple penalty corners, though Howlett managed to stave off several attempts, including shots by junior Sydney Jeker (Sciota, Pa./Pleasant Valley) and senior Sarah Westphal (Liverpool, N.Y./Liverpool). The Falcons maintained control, ending the quarter with a 3-0 lead.

The third quarter began with an offensive surge from Cedar Crest, highlighted by relentless pressure from Jeker, who fired three shots in quick succession, all saved by junior SadieLyn Combs (Harpursville, N.Y.). Domingo-Whitfield capitalized on the momentum at 31:42, scoring her second goal of the season. The Falcons continued to dominate, with Horninger scoring her first goal of the season at 37:52, assisted by Wanner, extending the home team's lead to 5-0 by the end of the quarter.

Cedar Crest solidified their lead in the fourth quarter, with Westphal scoring her first goal of the season at 52:13, extending the score to 6-0. Earlier in the quarter, the Falcons' defense held strong, with Heater making a crucial save against a shot by first-year Valérie Borg du Prie (Brussels, Belgium) at 47:46. Jeker contributed to the offensive pressure with two shot attempts, although one went wide and the other was blocked.

Farace scored the game-winning goal, converting one of her two shots on target. Domingo-Whitfield recorded two goals, successfully finding the net with both of her attempts. Horninger contributed with a goal and an assist, finishing with four shots on goal. Wanner added two assists, playing a key role in the team's offensive success.

Howlett demonstrated strong defensive skills for the Saxons, recording nine saves over 30 minutes in goal. Combs contributed two saves in her 30 minutes of play, stepping in as goalkeeper in the second half. First-year Julia Fournier (Arundel, Maine) made her presence felt with a defensive save, showcasing her ability to fortify the team's backline.

In their next game, Cedar Crest (2-2 overall) will face Moravian University at home on , Wednesday, September 10, with action starting at 4:00 p.m..  Alfred (0-4 overall) will stay on the road to play SUNY Oneonta on Saturday, September 13 at noon.