LANCASTER, Pa. - The Haverford College field hockey team (6-7, 1-5 CC) was defeated by No. 25 Franklin & Marshall (9-5, 7-0 CC) Saturday at Tylus Field. The host Diplomats scored two goals in the opening moments to pull away from the Fords on a rainy, soggy afternoon.
Lindsey Darby got the start between the pipes for the Fords and did well to deny the first challenge from Keira Boensch in the opening minute. Unfortunately for Haverford, Boensch did get on the scoreboard on her next attempt, taking an assist from Caitlin Hoover and slotting home her third goal of the season in just the third minute of play.
On Franklin & Marshall's next offensive opportunity, Amelia McCarthy inserted a penalty corner that found Alison McCarey at the top of the circle. McCarey rocketed a pass towards the cage that found the waiting stick of Darby Klopp, who converted the goal as suddenly Haverford found itself in a 2-0 hole in the opening moments of the contest.
The Fords earned a corner in the 11th minute, but Amy Kim's solid shot on target was saved by Meghan Dole. Haverford delivered a pair of key penalty corners to begin the second frame, but Naomi York had her shot cleared off the back line with a defensive save from McCarey before Rachel Marlin saw her attempt blocked.
In the third quarter, the Diplomats extended their lead with a goal from Sophie Carroll. Carroll took a pass from Avery Niedland, who delivered an entry shot on frame that snuck past the grasp of a valiantly diving Darby. With no defenders to beat, Carroll slotted a goal towards the near post for her fourth of the season.
Allison Cubell put a shot on target in the 49th minute, and Darby responded with a save on the other end just moments later. Faith Dimantova fired wide of the cage in the 52nd minute, but Grace Fass lit the lamp for the hosts just moments later, tallying in the final minute of the contest off an assist from Darby Klopp.
Haverford had one last-ditch corner attempt, and Naomi York got a strong look on cage, but Riley Klopp was there for another defensive save to deny the Fords in the waning seconds.
The hosts finished with a 14-7 edge in shots, while Haverford earned six penalty corners to four for F&M. Dole made two saves in her ninth victory of the season while Darby notched six saves in her second career start.
Haverford now returns to action on Wednesday, October 18 with a home game against No. 18 Ursinus, as the Fords look to secure their first win over the Bears (7 p.m.), to kick off a stretch that includes three of the final four regular season games at home on Swan Field. The contest will be Haverford's annual Play Pink/Breast Cancer Awareness Night.