By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: JD Cavrich Photography

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Juniata College field hockey team scored three goals in the first 15 minutes of play to cruise to a 5-1 win over York College Tuesday afternoon in Knox Stadium.  The Eagles have won four of their last five contests and improved to 9-8 overall.  This is the first time Juniata has scored five goals this season.  All five were unassisted.

"We set a goal and we achieved it," said head coach Caroline Gillich.  "We had some cleanups off saves and did a really good job on second shot opportunities.

Sophomore Sarah Bilheimer (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) scored two in the win.  She has six on the season and is second on the team in goals and points.

"Sarah certainly turned it on today, beating multiple people, creating opportunities to score and really placing it," added Gillich.  "She had to battle through bodies a couple times, but her touch was completely on."

Bilheimer took six shots, all on goal.  The Eagles as a team were on.  They took 24 shots and put 21 on goal, outshooting York by 15.  The Eagles other goals were scored by sophomores Katie Landis (Wyomissing, Pa./Wyomissing), Allison Groft (Hanover, Pa./South Western), and Steph Pagliaro (Duncannon, Pa./Susquenita).

Juniata now prepares for its final home game of the season.  It's homecoming weekend and the Eagles face Catholic University on Saturday, Oct. 26 following the football game.  After the win against Moravian secured their sixth Landmark Conference playoff berth in seven seasons, Juniata now plays for a chance to host the conference semifinals. 

 "We have two games left, and Saturday is an opportunity for us to be able to solidify a home field spot in the semifinals," noted Gillich.  "A win over Catholic would secure a first or second place finish for us."

The Eagles are 5-5 against Catholic all-time.  The Cardinals won the team's last meeting 4-3.  The last time Juniata defeated Catholic was at home in 2010 when they upset the No. 18 Cardinals 3-2 in overtime.

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