SELINSGROVE, PA – The Wilkes University field hockey team could only muster a late goal in their 3-1 season opening defeat to host Susquehanna University on Friday afternoon in the Connie Harnum Classic at Sassafras Field.
 
Susquehanna held a two-goal lead at halftime and added a third halfway through the second half for a 3-0 lead.
 
The Colonels battled to the finish and with 35 seconds remaining were rewarded for their efforts when freshman Lauren Shiplett (Mountaintop, PA/Crestwood) put one in the back of the cage to get Wilkes on the scoreboard. Shiplett was set up for the goal by Julia Kiss (Bangor, PA/Bangor) and Haley Gayoski (Forty Fort, PA/Wyoming Valley West).
 
Susquehanna (1-0) bested Wilkes for a second straight season to begin the year. The River Hawks held the edge in shots 15-8 and shots on goal 9-5.
 
The Colonels (0-1) return to action tomorrow afternoon against #14 Kean (0-1) at 1:00 p.m. to close out action in the Connie Harnum Classic.