Article by Department of Athletics Student-Staff Writer Colin Struckman 

Rindge, N.H. (09/2/2023) -- The Franklin Pierce University field hockey team came up short Saturday afternoon in their season home opener to non-conference opponent Bloomsburg University, losing 4-2.

The Ravens offense got right to work scoring their first goal of the 2023 season just 3:37 into the game. Junior Lexie Frank (Cape May Court House, N.J.) dished a pass off a penalty corner to senior Silver Clukey who then passed to senior Anna Beck (Attleboro, Mass.), who wired home a one-timer to take a 1-0 lead.  

The Huskies were quick to answer with a pair of goals in the first quarter. Sam Schaffer whipped a shot from the top of the circle to tie the game, then Genna Bush later tucked in a rebound to give the Huskies a 2-1 lead to end the first. The scoring for both teams hit a lull in the second quarter but with three minutes until halftime, Bloomburg's Jessica Serafin redirected a ball in the air to tally the Husky's third goal of the game.

Coming out of halftime, the Husky's were quick to score again. 5:27 into the third, Aydan McFarland scored a point blank goal assisted by Emily Swineford, stretching the lead to 4-1.

Late in the fourth quarter the Ravens secured a moment worth celebrating. Freshman Aria Caputo (Gloucester, Mass.) cleaned up a rebound shot, scoring her first collegiate goal, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

Freshman goalkeeper Zoe Noorlag started her first career game for the Ravens, stopping 12-of-16 shots she faced. Jackie Nevel picked up the win in net for the Huskies, stopping 4-of-6 shots she faced. With the loss, the Ravens start the season with an (0-1, 0-0 NE-10) record. With the road victory, Bloomsburg improves to (2-0, 0-0 PSAC) to start the season.

The Ravens return next Saturday (9/9) for a home contest at noon versus Southern Connecticut State.