Juniata Home Against Susquehanna in Landmark Home Opener

By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
Photo: JD Cavrich Photography

HUNTINGDON, Pa. – Juniata College field hockey team returns home on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to take on Landmark Conference rival Susquehanna University at 4:30 p.m. in its conference home opener.  This is the 40th meeting of the two programs in a rivalry that dates back to 1973.  Susquehanna leads the all-time series 16-17-6, with the Eagles winning two of the last three matchups.

"Every year is a new year," said head coach Caroline Gillich.  "We're excited to get back into conference play having been off a week.  After not making [the tournament] last year for the first time, we've learned how critical every conference game truly is.  One game that goes the wrong way could be the game that keeps you out.  So we're really focused on putting our best game together on Wednesday."

Juniata (5-7) is heading into its second Landmark Conference game of the season looking to rebound off two tough losses.  The Eagles are on a two-game skid and hoping to build the necessary momentum at home as they dive deeper into conference play.  After upsetting the University of Scranton 2-1 in double-overtime on the road, Juniata sits second in the Landmark at 1-0 in conference play.

Senior Emma Dahmus (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) currently leads the team in goals and points and has played nearly every minute of every game this season. Also strong offensively for Juniata, is sophomore Sarah Bilheimer (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom). Second on the team in total points and goals, she is the assist leader and a consistent threat in the circle.  

Bilheimer paired with junior Mikaela Sloan (State College, Pa./State College) have been using incredible speed to bust through defensive lines and create offensive opportunities for the Eagles.

"We definitely have some insane speed," said Gillich.  "So to really use, not just our foot speed, but our passing speed is critical.  The speed of the pass really dictates the speed of the game.  So if our passing game can get back to our fastest pace, where we were at one point in the season, then our whole game pace will be at the speed we can go at as a team."

Defensively, sophomore Kelsey Leibelsperger (Fleetwood, Pa./Fleetwood) has stepped up for the Eagles. She recorded three defensive saves last week, grabbing a career-high two against Elizabethtown. She currently leads the league in the stat at four, and ranks 34^th nationally.  With veteran back Tori Buser (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) who ranks 54^th nationally in defensive saves, the pair have been providing steady support for the Eagles two keepers who have almost evenly split time in the cage. 

"Our defense can definitely be a wall when they need to be," Gillich added.  "They 're really good at adjusting off ball to the situation and [Kelsey and Tori] are both willing to sacrifice their body, which is a beautiful thing in a defender that our goalkeepers love.  They're going to do everything that they can to make sure that the ball does not cross the line.  And if they have to, give the goalkeeper one more chance to make a save."

The Crusaders (6-6, 0-2 Landmark) are coming off a tough loss to undefeated Drew University.  They are led by senior Erica Reichart and freshman Lauren Cram who have started all 12 games this season and combine for nine goals and 21 points. Senior Margaret Ruth has spent the most time in the cage, earning three shutouts in 11 starts and over 770 minutes.  She has grabbed 72 saves in that time and boasts an .818 save percentage that ranks her 26^th nationally.

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