Gophers Are Overcome at Home by Griffins

TOWSON, Md., -- The Goucher College field hockey team (1-3, Landmark 0-0) was outmatched by the Gwynedd Mercy Griffins, 10-2, despite goals from junior Jackie Juarez (Glendora, Calif.) and senior Kristen Shklanko (Huntington Beach, Calif.).

The Griffins started the game on a tear with four goals in the first 21 minutes. Finally, right before the half, Kristen Shklanko dished a ball to Juarez off a penalty corner, which Juarez blasted to the back of the cage to bring the Gophers within three.

At the intermission, Goucher trailed 4-1.

Gwynedd Mercy wasted little time extending their lead in the second half with two goals in the first four minutes. Kristen Shklanko broke up the run with a goal in the 43^rd minute after carrying the ball the length of the field and weaving around the Griffin's keeper. Goucher would not score the remainder of the game.

Gwynedd tacked on four more goals down the stretch to complete the 10-2 victory. Melissa Russo and Shannon Carroll both had assists in the game for Gwynedd Mercy.

Seniors Sarah Shklanko (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and Emily Jewell (San Diego, Calif.) had a defensive save in the game. Time in goal for the Gophers was split between senior Liz Zengel (Smithfield, Va.) and sophomore Megan Wells (Wilbraham, Mass.). Wells collected a team-high six saves while Zengel notched four saves in the loss.

The Gophers are back in action on Thursday when they travel to Stevenson to take on the Mustangs at 7 p.m.