Second-Half Goals Propel Garnet Field Hockey Past Dickinson 2-1
CARLISLE, Pa. - A pair of second-half goals from a pair of freshmen - Aarti Rao and Nia Jones - helped the Swarthmore College field hockey team (5-6, 2-2) rally past Dickinson 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Biddle Field on Dickinson’s campus.
With the victory, the Garnet ties its regular season win total from the past two years and eclipses its Centennial Conference win total from both the 2008 and 2009 seasons.
Jones scored the game-winning goal for the Garnet.
Swarthmore was kept quiet throughout the first half, managing only two shots in the first thirty-five minutes of play. In contrast, the Devils came out swinging, taking 10 shots in the first half – fortunately, the Garnet defense kept the game in hand, as only a penalty stroke goal by Dickinson sophomore forward Tanya Bellingham made the back of the net by the half.
The offense began to show signs of life after halftime, as Rao’s 46th minute goal, assisted by sophomore Allison Ranshous and senior Sophia Ferguson, tied the game at 1-1. An unassisted goal by Jones 12 minutes later, which ties her for the team lead with six on the season, became the difference in the game as the defense did not allow Dickinson another inch, despite their free shooting.
A prolific showing in the net by senior goalie Katie Ashmore kept the Garnet in the game throughout. Ashmore faced 25 shots through 70 minutes in goal and recorded seven saves. Her goals against average now sits at 2.71, on pace to be a career-best.
The Garnet hopes to bring its winning streak to three when it faces off against non-conference foe Gwynedd-Mercy tomorrow afternoon in Gwynedd Valley. Play is set to begin at 2 pm.