HOUGHTON, NY – The opening night of the season for Houghton Field Hockey brought a difficult opponent and an incredible opportunity to begin preparing for challenges early.
Ithaca's strong first half left the scoreboard showing 5-0 in favor of the Bombers headed into the third period. Midfielder Breeah Shaw had a pair of goals before the 20-minute mark, both unassisted.
The second half brought an entirely new match-up, however, as the Highlanders brought a new energy and level of execution that resulted in an even score over the final 30 minutes of game time.
Davannah Dunn's lone goal for Houghton provided the home crowd its highest energy point of the night, leaving her with six goals for her career now.
Insights from Head Coach Hannah Zgrablich:
"We knew that this was going to be a hard match up and that's why we scheduled it. Hard isn't bad (as we're learning). Along with a high level of competition, we are working around a key player's injury. Tonight challenged us and gave us an opportunity to integrate feedback in real time. It's not ideal to go down 5 goals in the first half. But, to play a new game in the second half, find a way to score, and keep things even on the scoreboard for the final 2 quarters reflects this team's focus and determination to compete at a higher level—a job well done to the entire roster."
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 1 | Ithaca – 6
Records: Houghton: 0-1 (0-0 Empire 8) | Ithaca: 1-0 (0-0 Liberty League)
Venue: Burke Field, Houghton University | Attendance: 62
Scoring Summary
| Time |
Team |
Description |
| 4:36 |
 |
Caroline Folan (1)
Assisted By: Mia Woodard
GOAL by Ithaca Caroline Folan (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Mia Woodard, goal number 1 for season. |
| 5:31 |
|
Breeah Shaw (1)
GOAL by Ithaca Breeah Shaw, goal number 1 for season. |
| 9:57 |
|
Toni Ierardi (1)
Assisted By: Audrey McMahon
GOAL by Ithaca Toni Ierardi, Assist by Audrey McMahon, goal number 1 for season. |
| 16:29 |
|
Breeah Shaw (2)
GOAL by Ithaca Breeah Shaw, goal number 2 for season. |
| 24:40 |
|
Audrey McMahon
Assisted By: Abby Hennessy
GOAL by Ithaca Audrey McMahon, Assist by Abby Hennessy |
| 45:19 |
 |
Davannah Dunn (1)
Assisted By: Adria Hartzler
GOAL by Houghton Davannah Dunn, Assist by Adria Hartzler, goal number 1 for season. |
| 55:25 |
|
Brooke Snider
GOAL by Ithaca Brooke Snider |
NOTABLE STATS
>>
Adria Hartzler recorded four total shots in the game, two of which were on goal, and she assisted on the Highlander's fourth period goal.
>> Goalkeeper
Amber Cribbs played the full 60 minutes of game time, recording 9 saves.
UP NEXT
Houghton Field Hockey's next contest will take them on the road to Lancaster, PA, to take on the Chargers of Lancaster Bible College. Their first road match of the season will begin at 4:00 PM on Friday, September 4, 2026.
