The Saint Joseph's field hockey squad opened its season in convincing fashion, edging New Hampshire 2-1 in a tightly contested matchup that showcased the team's early-season promise and the energy of a packed home crowd.
Lily DeWan broke the deadlock with a penalty corner strike, the ball finding the net after a crisp feed from Milou Kluyt, giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead that they would protect for much of the contest.
New Hampshire answered in the fourth quarter when Julianna Casucci capitalized on a rebound off a corner, leveling the score and shifting momentum as the Wildcats pressed for a winner.
With just over four minutes remaining, Cat Arentz delivered the decisive blow, slotting home the go‑ahead goal after a flurry of five consecutive penalty corners in 41 seconds, a sequence that underscored the Hawks' attacking intensity.
Between the scoring bursts, Saint Joseph's dominated possession, outshooting the opposition 18‑1 and earning an 11‑1 edge in corner opportunities, while goaltender Avi Wagner turned away two shots and Kerigan Ross made 12 saves for New Hampshire.
The victory also marked Sam Brown's first career head‑coaching win, a milestone that was celebrated alongside the debut appearances of several newcomers such as Hannah Bianchino and Monica Piccioli, who will look to build on the experience as the schedule continues.
Looking Ahead
Next up, New Hampshire travels to face UConn on Saturday, while the Hawks host the same opponent on Sunday at 2:00 p.m., a pair of games that could further shape the early narrative of the season.