WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The New Haven field hockey team set out to continue its winning streak in conference play, as it entered the crosstown rivalry game against Southern Connecticut State University. With a 5-1 win the Chargers now advance to 7-5 on the season and 7-0 in the Northeast-10. For the first time in program history the Chargers have moved up to #1 in the 2022 NE10 Field Hockey Standings, with six games remaining in the regular season.
The Chargers started off strong, getting on the board first in the 13th minute, with a goal from freshman Erin Smith (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South). Her first of the season came off of a pass across the circle from senior Zharria John (Piscataway, N.J./Piscataway). Collecting the pass, Smith who was able to get it right between the legs of SCSU goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parent.
Continuing her momentum on the season was graduate Sophie Schreck (Madison, Conn./Daniel Hand) with a multi-goal outing, finishing with a pair of goals. Her first goal coming in the 18th minute, when she was given room to wind up for a beautiful reverse chip, out of the reach of Southern's goalkeeper and landing right in the back corner of the goal. Her second of the night following shortly after in the 26th minute, with an assist from Smith.
Smith dribbling down the baseline, forced the goalkeeper out of position, where she sent a pass up to stroke to find Schreck. With the goalkeeper attempting to get back, Schreck was able to find the backboard, giving the Chargers a 3-0 lead.
The Owls continued to force the offensive; it was not until the 39th minute when Brianna Caffrey would find the back of the net on a penalty corner. The Chargers did not stop the momentum after the Owls goal and continued forcing goalkeeper Parent to work hard in goal.
The Chargers found their fourth goal in the 47th minute, on a goal by junior Kat Trammel (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown). Sophomore Olivia Chase (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) with the ball in her possession, made a move at the top of the circle bringing the ball to her weak side. With a reverse sweep into the circle, the ball was able to find its way to Trammel, who with pressure was able to shoot and find the backboard.
New Haven ended the night with a goal from none other than graduate Taylor Geaglone (Enfield, Conn./Enfield). Geaglone receiving a pass from John, made her way almost 15 yards to the circle, where she had room to take a shot, sending a rocket to the backboard for the Chargers last goal. The Chargers totaled 28 shots on the night, 19 of which made their way on goal.
The Charger's defense was solid throughout the night, led by graduate goalkeeper Kierra Integlia who had three saves throughout the night, keeping the score to only one goal for the Owls. Standing by her was sophomore Kelli Jacobson (North Branford, Conn./North Branford), who made a defensive save when Integlia was brought out of the goal early in the first quarter. Jacobson on the line, was able to stop a shot and clear it out to keep the Owls scoreless up until the third quarter.
The Chargers will head back on the road, to take on the Southern New Hampshire Penmen when they next take the field. This game will once again be a test to the continued winning streak in conference play, and is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 22nd, with a start time of 1:00 p.m.
