CONWAY, Ark. - The Hendrix College field hockey team shutout the Rhodes College Lynx in the second half of Saturday afternoon's Southern Athletic Association matchup, but were unable to capitalize on their scoring chances down the stretch, falling to Rhodes 3-1.
Seniors
Erika Jasso, Charlotte Kraaijenbrink, and
Lauren Shklanko were all honored during pre-game ceremonies in their final home game of the season. Each senior graduating this spring will be succeeded by a sister on the team.
Vanessa Jasso,
Elisabeth Kraaijenbrink, and
Sarah Shklanko are all freshmen on the Hendrix roster.
Gabryele Pochron made 20 saves in net, her second-highest total on the season.
Sarah Shklanko and
Lauren Shklanko each finished with a defensive save for the Warriors as well. Rhodes split time between Erin Bailey, who earned the win by making two saves in the first half, and Laura Eckelkamp who also finished with two saves.
Rhodes jumped on the Warriors early, scoring three goals in the first 11 minutes of play. Just 1:26 into the game, Evy Royther scored off an assist from Mary Rose Hazel, putting the team ahead 1-0. In the 11th minute, the Lynx scored a pair of goals just 31 seconds apart. Shauni Cowan and Julie Hertzman notched back-to-back goals to give the Rhodes an early 3-0 cushion.
Hendrix cut into the lead before the halftime whistle.
Erika Jasso played a dangerous ball from the right flank in front of the goal mouth. The Rhodes defense attempted to clear the loose ball, but
Bailee Wallace prevented the clearance and ripped a shot that glanced off a Rhodes defender and in to put the Warriors on the board. Wallace's first career goal made it 3-1 midway through the first half.
In the second period, Pochron and the Hendrix defense weathered a flurry of shots, but prevented the Lynx from adding to their lead. The Warriors were outshot 25-2 in the second half but Pochron, along with help from the Shklanko sisters, kept the visiting team out of the net and the Warriors within striking distance.
Hendrix's best second half opportunity came off the stick of Wallace again. The freshman ripped a shot from the right side that was turned away by Eckelkamp.
Morgan Fires also had a last-second opportunity for Hendrix, but was denied as well.
The Warriors fall to 2-13 on the year, with a 1-5 mark in the SAA. The team will return to action on Saturday, November 1 when they travel to Danville, Ky. to take on Centre College. Hendrix battled Centre to a narrow 2-1 loss in their previous meeting this season.
