Winchester, VA – Despite a strong first half and an early lead, the Shenandoah University field hockey team fell 2–1 to visiting Lynchburg on Saturday afternoon at Aikens Stadium. Shenandoah (9-3, 2-1) struck first before the conclusion of the first half, but Lynchburg (9-3, 2-0) used strong defense and goalkeeping to keep SU off the board in the second half, scoring the pair themselves.

The Hornets controlled play through much of the first two quarters, outshooting the visitors 8–5 before halftime and converting late in the second period. Junior Mallory Holup broke the scoreless tie in the 25th minute, finishing a rebound following a series of penalty corners. Madison Short sparked the offensive pressure for Shenandoah, earning four corners in the span of five minutes leading up to the goal.

After halftime, Lynchburg found its rhythm and began to turn the momentum. The Hornets' defense, anchored by goalkeeper Cassidy Alexander, held firm through the early stages of the third quarter, with Alexander making key stops on shots from Saar Prins and Allie Freeman.

However, Lynchburg senior midfielder Danielle Coon proved to be the difference-maker. Coon netted the equalizer in the 43rd minute, then struck again with just under two minutes to play to seal the comeback win for the Hornets of Lynchburg.

Alexander finished with five saves in goal for Shenandoah including a rapid fire back-to-back effort from Lynchburg to preserve the draw at the time, while Lynchburg keeper Shay Schoones posted eight saves, including five in the second quarter to keep her team within reach.

Shenandoah earned a 9–7 edge in shots on goal and held a 11–4 advantage in penalty corners, but couldn't find the insurance goal before Lynchburg's late surge.

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Shenandoah continues conference action on Wednesday when it hosts Washington and Lee to finish off the three-game home stand.

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