WASHINGTON, Pa. – Three third quarter goals guided the Washington & Jefferson College field hockey team to a 3-1 victory over visiting Juniata College in a non-conference game Wednesday evening at Cameron Stadium.
The third quarter offensive outburst allowed the Presidents to deliver the first collegiate coaching win for first-year head coach
Mackenzie Gagliardi.
"I am so excited about the confidence that our team showed today," Gagliardi said. "Our athletes have been working hard to learn and improve every day. Their enthusiasm was able to shine through in this win today. I am so proud of their continued effort."
The Presidents leaned on their senior class to secure their first victory of the season. All three goals and all three assists were recorded by seniors.
Following a scoreless first half, W&J broke through with a strong third quarter effort. Midway through the third,
Lindsey Blount (Lockport, N.Y./Starpoint) helped the Presidents score first. Blount gathered a pass from classmate
Lily Giering (Reading, Pa./Exeter Township) and rattled one into the back of the cage after a strong strike. The score was the second in as many games for Blount.
A little more than two minutes later, the Presidents added to their lead.
Sara Schriver (Pickens, S.C./Christ Church Episcopal School) was able to finish from in front of the cage, scoring off an assist from
Bailey Miller (Lancaster, Pa./Manheim Township).
Giering capped the third quarter scoring flurry less than two minutes later. Giering scored back post following a nifty pass from Blount to swell the Presidents' lead to 3-0.
The three W&J scores came in a four-minute span, as the Red and Black showcased a quick strike offense to secure the victory.
Juniata broke up the shutout late in the fourth. The Eagles scored with less than three minutes to play in the game.
The Red and Black controlled the pace of play throughout the evening. W&J held statistical advantages in shots (16-3), shots on goal (6-3) and penalty corners (9-3).
Giering and Blount produced a goal and assist each to lead the offensive efforts in the victory. Giering finished with a team-high five shots, which included three on target.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Kaitlyn Wildermuth (Bayville, N.J./Central Regional) made two saves to pick up the victory.
W&J evens its overall record to 1-1. The loss drops Juniata to 0-3 in 2025.
The Presidents continue their early season homestand on Saturday, Sept. 6 when they welcome Concordia Wisconsin to Cameron Stadium. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. start. The matchup between the Presidents and Falcons will mark the first meeting between the programs since the 2016 season.
