EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. — The field hockey team hosted its second home game against Wilson College last Wednesday. They were unable to obtain a win on home turf, however, as the Phoenix got on a scoring surge early on in the match, ending with a score of 4-2.

“We put ourselves in a tough spot, but we learned that we can pull through,” said head coach Charlotte MacDonald. “I think this really showed the team that when we push ourselves and play our game we are successful- we just have to be disciplined to start and maintain it.”

In the first period, Wilson started off hot by taking three shots at Wilkes’ sophomore goalie Carly Eidle. Two minutes into the game, Wilson’s Breeann Sheaffer scored on the third shot attempt. The Colonels were only able to get off one shot in this period.

The second period started off with four saves by Eidle, but Michaela Singer of Wilson snuck one in at the eight minute mark. Seven minutes later, Wilson’s Alexis Pflumm scored on a drive and Wilkes was now down 3-0 at the end of the period.

“Something that kept me going during the game was knowing we had the ability to win,” said Eilde. “We just had to push and this made me want to keep fighting until the end.”

Two minutes into the third period, Wilson’s Singer scored her second goal of the game, creating a substantial lead over the Blue and Gold.

Wilkes began to make offensive drives down the field and got off four shots during the third, but Wilson was able to make saves on each shot.

Senior forward Morghan Murphy shot once, junior midfielder Abbey Davis shot twice and junior midfielder Maura Hensel had one shot attempt in the third period. The period ended with a score of 4-0, in favor of the Phoenix.

“After half time, we realized that we needed to really attack the cage if we wanted to come out with a win,” said Hensel. “This gave us more momentum going in towards the end of the game.”

At the 10-minute mark of the fourth period, Wilson’s goalie Krista Nayadley acquired a foul causing Murphy to get a chance to shoot a penalty stroke. Murphy’s attempt was effective, resulting in a point on the board for the Colonels.

“During water breaks at practice, I will take time to practice my penalty stroke,” said Murphy. “I was thinking that as long as I stay consistent and hit the spot I am aiming for I will be set and in today’s game I was successful in that aspect.”

Eight minutes after Wilkes’ first goal of the game, Murphy dribbled into the center of the circle for a shot, which led to another goal for the Blue and Gold.

Wilkes struggled to get the ball up the field through the entirety of the match and only had seven shot attempts to Wilson’s 19. This resulted in nine saves for Eidle and only three saves for Wilson’s Nayadley.

Unfortunately, the Colonels were not able to catch up to Wilson’s early lead and lost in the fourth period, ending with a final score of 4-2.

“I am proud of the late effort and adjustments that we made,” said MacDonald. “Those are things that we need to learn to do sooner.”

Coming up next for Wilkes, the field hockey team will be traveling a short distance to Marywood University on Sept. 22 for a non-conference match against the Pacers.