By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: JD Cavrich Photography
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College field hockey dropped its first Landmark Conference game Saturday afternoon against Catholic University of America in a 2-1 decision. Juniata (9-9, 4-1 Landmark) had won four straight against league opponents coming into the matchup and is currently vying for home field advantage in the Landmark tournament.
"I felt like today was the fastest pace game that we have played all year," said head coach Caroline Gillich. "We were pushing the pace faster than we ever have before, but the goal is still going to be scoring."
Junior Shelby Miller (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J. Roberts) grabbed a career and game-high eight saves. The Eagles took seven shots, with five on goal and out cornered Catholic 11-9.
Juniata was down 1-0 at the break and continued to press in a very physical game. Catholic's Madalyn Dennis scored the eventual game winner in the 65th minute. The Eagles didn't quit and responded with a goal of their own less than three minutes later.
Sophomore Sarah Bilheimer (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom) inserted the Eagles second corner in a 90 second span. It was stopped at the top of the circle and passed out to sophomore Cassie Clarence (Coopersburg, Pa./Southern Lehigh) on the left. Clarence cranked the ball deep into the circle and Bilheimer redirected it past Cardinal keeper Analisa Scott. It was Clarence's first career assist. The chip also tied Bilheimer with senior Emma Dahmus (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) for the team-high of seven goals this season. The forward/mid now leads the team in total points with 19.
"Sarah has been coming on strong at the end of the season," said Gillich. "It was great that we scored off a corner assisted by Cassie, who has been putting a bunch of balls in there. It was really exciting to see us execute on a corner. We out cornered them once again, so we just need to keep improving on scoring off of corners and take it into our next game."
Juniata closes out its 2013 regular season on the road in a Landmark Conference showdown with No. 20 Drew University on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. The Rangers are undefeated in the league at 5-0 and are in sole ownership of first place. A win over Drew would keep the Eagles in contention for hosting the semifinal round of the tournament.
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