Captain Tess Herman scored two goals as the Profs field hockey team was able to snap a two-game losing streak on Monday with a 5-2 win over Muhlenberg College at Scotty Wood Stadium. Herman, who hasn’t scored this season, broke through early off the back of an Aurelia McManis assist. Herman then recorded her second goal in the third period, completing just her second multi-goal game in her career. 

“It was awesome for her,” freshman forward Sydney Kowalcyzk said about Herman’s performance. “She had two reverse sweeps, and she said she never scored on two [sweeps] in the same game before. Even though she’s a defender, she’s very attacking-minded, and that shows how dangerous we can be as a team when everyone contributes.”

After Herman opened the scoring, Muhlenberg took a 2-1 lead in the second quarter with goals by Erin DiSandro and Abba Diglio. Learning from their previous mistakes, the Profs wasted no time getting back the lead.

Kowalcyzk tied the game, and then freshman Peyton Ryan, who was named New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Rookie of the Week, scored her first career goal. Jenna Gray added on to the lead at the end of the third quarter.

“I think what happened, especially in the second half, is our whole team pushed up together,” head coach Michelle Andre said. “When we’re connected like that, we’re tough to stop. Tess can really change a game — her ability to step up in the midfield and attack at full speed is very deceptive for opponents.”

Rowan dominated statistically, holding a 22-6 edge in shots and an 11-3 advantage in corners. Goalkeeper Mariah Juiliano was called upon just twice, recording two saves.

Kowalcyzk says the win was as much about resilience as it was the final score.

“It was definitely a great feeling to come back. We didn’t stay down on ourselves after the losses — we bounced right back,” Kowalcyzk said. “It showed a lot about us that we can overcome and dominate a game like that.”

The Profs’ game against Muhlenberg opens up a three-game road trip for the team. They will face Catholic University on Wednesday at Cardinal Stadium before facing Haverford College at Swan Field this Saturday. With renewed energy and contributions coming from across the roster, the Profs will look to build on their rebound performance as NJAC play approaches.

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