WINGATE, N.C. – IUP field hockey completed a perfect opening weekend under first-year head coach Stephen Hamill on Saturday, defeating Belmont Abbey, 3-1, at Graham Gill Field.
After opening the season with a 4-0 victory over Wingate on Friday, the Crimson Hawks followed with another strong performance, outshooting the Crusaders, 15-10, and holding a 12-4 advantage in penalty corners. IUP put 11 of its 15 shots on goal.
Lilly Fringer wasted little time putting the Crimson Hawks in front, converting a penalty stroke just 5:13 into the match. The goal marked Fringer's second in as many games after she also found the cage in Friday's season-opening victory.
IUP carried the 1-0 advantage through halftime before Grace McGeehan doubled the lead in the third quarter. Sydney Schmouder provided the assist as McGeehan scored at the 40:05 mark to make it 2-0.
Belmont Abbey answered just over four minutes later when Isabella Hite scored off an assist from Sophia Coleman, cutting IUP's advantage to one entering the fourth quarter.
The Crimson Hawks responded in the final period. Kasey Reiger provided an insurance goal at the 50:43 mark, pushing the lead to 3-1 and putting the game out of reach.
Reiger and McGeehan led the IUP attack with four shots apiece. McGeehan put all four of her attempts on goal, while Reiger finished with three shots on frame.
Senior goalkeeper Celeste Pagliaroli played all 60 minutes in the cage, making six saves while allowing just one goal. Through the opening weekend, Pagliaroli surrendered just one goal while helping IUP start the season 2-0.
The Crimson Hawks finished their opening weekend with seven goals from six different players and allowed just one goal across two games.
IUP returns to Indiana for its home opener Saturday, Sept. 12, against D'Youville at Miller Stadium. The match is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
