TOWSON, Md. – The Towson University field hockey team is set for two matchups this weekend, opening CAA (Colonial Athletic Association) play against Delaware on Friday at 3 p.m. before welcoming La Salle on Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m.
Both games will be streamed on the Towson Sports Network.
LAST TIME OUT
In its spring 2021 season opener, Towson (0-1, 0-0 CAA) fell to Syracuse 3-2. The Orange scored two goals in the first 4:45 to get out to an early lead. In her collegiate debut, Kaiya Townsend Sabur got Towson on the board with a goal at the end of the first quarter. Jenna Florenzo found the net and knotted the score at two in the beginning of the second quarter. Just before halftime, Pleun Lammers scored to ultimately seal the victory for Syracuse. The Tigers had a huge defensive third quarter, stopping 10 penalty corners in the span, including eight consecutive attempts in the final four minutes. Kasey Bubel led the defense with three defensive saves. Lena Vandam also had 12 saves in net. In the first Penn Monto/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll released on March 16, The Orange are No. 8 in the nation.
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
Paige Reese and Georgia Beachley each contributed an assist during Sunday's game. Reese also added a shot on goal. Kathryn Parkinson and Hannah McKeon each registered one shot, respectively. On the other side of the ball, McKeon also earned a defensive save. Townsend Sabur's first collegiate goal earned her CAA Rookie of the Week honors.
SCOUTING THE BLUE HENS
Delaware (0-1, 0-0 CAA) is coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to Saint Joseph's on March 14.Femke Strein and Ellie Schepens each added a goal. Strein also contributed as assist to total three points and earn a CAA Player of the Week selection. Goalkeeper Lizzie Gaebel made 8 saves against the Hawks. In 2019, the Blue Hens were 16-4 on the year as well as undefeated in conference (6-0 CAA). The team beat five ranked opponents and fell to three along the way.
THE DELAWARE SERIES
The Blue Hens lead the series between the two programs, 5-34-2, winning the last seven matchups. In the most recent meeting on Oct. 18, 2019, Delaware, ranked No. 11 at the time, came away with the 2-1 victory thanks too goals from Strein and Ashlyn Carr. Samantha Aljets was the only Tiger to find the net. The Tigers last win came Oct. 22, 2010 with a 3-2 victory.
SCOUTING THE EXPLORERS
La Salle is off to a 0-3 (0-1 A-10) start to the season and have been shutout in all three contests. The Explorers lost their most recent outing to St. Joe's, 6-0. (March 11). They also suffered a loss to CAA foe Drexel, 2-0. Tatum Johnson leads the squad with three shots on goal and four shots. Goalkeeper Cassie Kinkaid has racked up 22 saves in net. La Salle will host Lock Haven on Friday, before traveling to Towson. In 2019, the Explorers were 7-11 overall and 3-5 in league play.
THE LA SALLE SERIES
The Explorers hold the 20-9-0 upper hand in the series between the two teams. The Tigers did win the last contest on Sept. 20, 2019, 3-1. Parkinson netted two goals while Beira Ho also added a score. In the last 10 meetings, Towson is 7-3 against La Salle. The Tigers also won seven consecutive contests between 2003 and 2011.
