HAVERFORD, Pa. - The Haverford College field hockey team (0-1) was edged by visiting Alvernia (1-0) in the season opener for both teams at Swan Field on Thursday. Delaney Snowden made an immediate mark to open her senior season, finding the back of the cage twice to pace Haverford in the 3-2 loss. 

In a chippy contest that featured seven cards, the Fords held the early tempo to the tune of a seventh minute goal. Snowden took advantage of a foul in the circle and headed to the penalty spot, where she deftly converted to give Haverford its first goal of the season and the early advantage with a successful penalty stroke. Brianna Burkholder later took a nice feed from Brooke Spezialetti off an Alvernia penalty corner in the 11th minute to knot the score at 1-1, but Haverford answered back in the 20th minute as Snowden tallied with a strong shot after making a nifty move to gain footing in the circle.

Unfortunately for the Fords, Burkholder had an answer in the 29th as she took advantage of another penalty corner opportunity for the visitors. Abbie Buck sent in a solid cross to the waiting stick of Burkholder, who punched one past a diving Mary Smith to once again tie the contest.

Alvernia scored the only goal of the second half, as Burkholder completed the hattrick in the 39th minute. Hailey Miller made a cross-cage tap to Burkholder for a 3-2 advantage. A stifling defensive pressure from the Golden Wolves held Haverford in check as the Fords were often forced to play down a player due to three second half cards. The visitors held a 17-8 shot advantage and a 12-5 lead in penalty corners. Smith made four saves in her first collegiate start in the cage. 

The Fords now make the quick trip up the Main Line to face off with local foe Eastern on Saturday. The first pass is slated for 11 a.m. in that contest. 

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