Jonathan French
Assistant Director of Communications and Media 
jfrench@transy.edu 

LEXINGTON, KY - Transylvania Women's Field Hockey opened up their NCAC Conference play against Earlham University. 

On their home turf, Earlham started with a bang in the first period. The team was able to string together two penalty corners and 2 shots within the first four minutes of the period. After a couple of tactical substitutions, the Pioneers were able to find the back of the net. Fifth year, Sophia Sparks scored her first goal of the 2024 season, making the score 1-0. 

The second period was controlled and dominated by the Pioneers. 2 minutes into play, Caroline Seaward had a shot that went wide. Minutes later, the team's persistent attack led to a penalty corner. With a tip from freshman Lucy Cohen to secure an assist Sophia Sparks found her second goal of the match. The Pioneers offense continued and Cohen had a shot to force a save by Earlhams goalie, Ainsley Kemp. With 9 minutes left before halftime, Senior Maddy Morgan scored her fourth goal of the year to put the Pioneers up 3. 

Following halftime, the Pioneers goalie, Libby Bringard made multiple huge saves to keep her shutout alive. Transylvania's defense stood strong allowing no penalty corners and only two shots in the third period. Bringard continued to make saves in the fourth period. The substitutions continued throughout the second half.  

Head coach Natalie Hernandez stated "This was truly a full team win! We tried different things and finally executed on what we have been working so hard on! Proud of a full team effort.

The Pioneers continue their conference play on Saturday on the road against Denison University. The first whistle is at 11 AM in Granville, Ohio.