47 seconds in and the game was already decided. The Rowan field hockey team defeated Haverford 3-0, on Sept. 21 in a non-conference matchup at Richard Wackar Stadium. Rowan extended its winning streak to a season-high three games and moved to 4-3 on the season. 

The Profs wasted no time getting on the board, courtesy of a goal from forward Gracie Merrick just 47 seconds into the first quarter. From there, goalkeeper Mariah Juiliano and the Rowan defense did the rest. Juiliano recorded 10 saves as well as her second shutout on the season.

“It’s a lot of fun to have a game like that,” Juiliano said. “Especially after a bad few games and not performing the way I wanted to, it feels good to get back to performing at the level I know I should be.”

The defense turned back Haverford on every opportunity they generated. In addition to 10 shots on goal, Haverford also had 10 corners, which usually means plenty of prime opportunities to score. Head coach Michelle Andre gave a lot of credit to the players’ effort to make sure Haverford stayed off the board.

“They’ve been doing a much better job with body positioning, not just defending with your sticks but defending with everything,” Andre said. “Good team defense as well and doing a good job at giving Mariah low-quality shots so she can make the saves on them.”

Rowan also received contributions on offense with goals from Jenna Gray and Paige Gray (no relation). Jenna Gray deflected a shot in front of the Haverford goalkeeper before turning and depositing the ball into the back of the cage to make the score 2-0 early in the second quarter. Paige Gray, who was recently named as the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Rookie of the Week, tacked on an insurance goal midway through the fourth on a redirected shot from Riley McClelland to secure the final score. 

While Rowan has found much more success as of late, Andre and Juiliano both believe the team can improve even more.

“I think we’ve done a good job of improving the pace of play,” Andre said. “The next step is now threading the needle in the middle of the field and stretching defenses out.”

“We just have to keep the energy up each game,” Juiliano added. “We’ve come together as a team on and off the field to a point where it feels natural going out there each game, so we just have to keep it up.”

Rowan will find out just how much they’ve grown next time out. The Profs face stiffer competition as they welcome No. 13 Bryn Mawr, their third of five straight home games on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 6:00 PM. 

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