WINCHESTER, Va. – Shenandoah opened its 2026 field hockey season in emphatic fashion on Tuesday night at Aikens Stadium, overpowering Thomas College (ME) 7-1.
The Hornets' (1-0) offense was firing on all cylinders throughout the contest, racking up 24 total shots (17 on goal) and earning 12 penalty corners against the Terriers (0-1).
How It Happened
- First Quarter: The Hornets came out fast and physical to open their season. Head Coach Ashley Smeltzer-Kraft's first starting lineup featured only first-years and sophomores, with captain Camryn DeLeva anchoring the back line. Ava Fields put Shenandoah on the board early, striking off an assist from Kierney Weigle at the 11:33 mark following a penalty corner to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead.
- Second Quarter: The Hornets added to their lead with two goals in the second frame. Kierney Weigle found the back of the cage 18 minutes in off a pass from Ella Robbins. Shortly after at 23:03, Ellie Quinn capitalized on another Weigle feed to extend the advantage to 3-0 heading into halftime.
- Third Quarter: Regan Flory started the second-half scoring at 35:32 to push the lead to 4-0. Thomas answered back a minute later when Samantha Thebarge converted a penalty stroke in the 37th minute for the Terriers' lone score of the night. Weigle added her second goal of the game at 39:21 via an assist from Kaitlyn Nakamura, restoring a four-goal cushion at 5-1.
- Fourth Quarter: Shenandoah closed out the match strong with two late goals. Ella Robbins scored at 51:44 off a setup by Camryn DeLeva. Fields then finalized the scoring with her second goal of the evening with under a minute remaining at 59:33 to lock in the final 7-1 scoreline.
Both
Kierney Weigle and
Ava Fields finished the contest with 4 goals and 2 assists combined, marks that led to the Hornets dominant home and season-opening victory over the Terriers.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah returns to Aikens Stadium for a matchup with Denison on Saturday. Game time is slated for 1:00 PM
#GoSUHornets
