WASHINGTON, D.C. – Juniata field hockey (6-8, 1-3 Landmark) put up a fight in its Landmark Conference game against No. 17 Catholic University Saturday afternoon before falling 4-3 on the road. Senior Janelle Howard picked up a career-high 14 saves but could not stop the Cardinals (9-4, 4-0 Landmark) from remaining undefeated in league play.
"Janelle Howard was stellar in goal turning away a barrage of shots," said Head Coach Caroline Gillich. "This team continues to grow and evolve and embrace each new role they are given."
Junior Emma Dahmus put the Eagles up 1-0 in the fifth minute of play.
"Our team came ready and struck early," added Gillich. "Emma scored on her first shot of the game."
The Cardinal then went on the offensive, scoring back-to-back goals before the break and picking up a third 50 seconds into the second half.
Juniata responded in the 52nd minute off a penalty corner. Dahmus took a shot off the insertion from freshman Sarah Bilheimer and pulled the Eagles within one, 3-2. The goal was Dahmus' fifth of the year and moved her into second on the team in goals and points.
Even after Catholic scored its fourth goal in 65th minute, Juniata stayed aggressive offensively until the end. Bilheimer broke away from the pack and scored the final goal with five seconds remaining in the contest.
"They built a great attacking effort," said Gillich. "But we are ready to be at home again after two weeks on the road and get it done on our own turf."
The trip to D.C. capped a four-game road stint for Juniata. The Eagles return home for their last four games of the regular season starting with Alvernia College on Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. The game kicks off the Eagles Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Week. The team will be raising awareness in honor of John Price, father of Paula Price ('11), who lost his battle with the disease earlier this year. The Eagles will be wearing purple jerseys and fans will have the opportunity to win raffle prizes.
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