LEXINGTON, Ky. — Transylvania University field hockey celebrated Senior Day on Saturday afternoon in Lexington, falling 6-2 to John Carroll University. Despite the loss, the Pioneers closed the afternoon with a strong fourth-quarter performance, highlighted by Sofie Garrett's first collegiate goal and another score from Charlotte Thompson.
Prior to the match, Transylvania honored its five seniors, Emily Shearer, Sofie Garrett, Avery Hoover, Ellie Falk and Anna Donadio, recognizing their dedication and contributions to the Pioneer field hockey program.
John Carroll established an early advantage when Kierra Maxie scored just 1:34 into the opening quarter. Maxie struck again at 14:25 to give the Blue Streaks a 2-0 lead entering the second period.
Transylvania began generating offensive opportunities in the second quarter, recording three shots and earning a penalty corner. Lucy Cohen and Felice Pappalardo each recorded attempts, with Pappalardo forcing a save from John Carroll goalkeeper Ellison Hilgendorf at 24:16. Neither team found the back of the net during the period, sending the Pioneers into halftime trailing 2-0.
John Carroll extended its advantage in the third quarter, scoring four times. Mia Curtis opened the second-half scoring at 33:58 before Sophia Schultheis added consecutive goals at 38:04 and 41:31. Kennedi Spencer capped the Blue Streaks' third-quarter scoring at 42:15 to make it 6-0 entering the final period.
The Pioneers responded with renewed offensive energy in the fourth quarter, breaking through just 41 seconds after the restart. Senior Sofie Garrett found the back of the net at 45:41 off an assist from Cohen, recording her first collegiate goal on Senior Day and putting Transylvania on the scoreboard.
Just over three minutes later, Transylvania struck again. Following a series of penalty corners, Thompson scored at 49:07 off another assist from Cohen, cutting the deficit to 6-2.
The two fourth-quarter goals highlighted a strong finish for the Pioneers, who held John Carroll scoreless over the final 15 minutes while generating three penalty corners and three shots during the period.
Cohen finished with two assists to lead the Transylvania offense, while Garrett and Thompson each recorded a goal. Thompson led the Pioneers with two shots on goal, while Pappalardo and Cohen each contributed two shots.
Transylvania finished with eight shots, including five on goal, compared to nine shots and seven on goal for John Carroll. The Pioneers generated five penalty corners while the Blue Streaks finished with six.
Graci Adcock played all 60 minutes in goal for Transylvania, recording one save. John Carroll goalkeeper Ellison Hilgendorf finished with three saves.
Transylvania University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the HCAC. To keep up to date with all of Transylvania Athletics, check out our website at transysports.com and follow @TransySports on Instagram.
