WINCHESTER, Va. --Â The University of Lynchburg field hockey team opened its 2026 campaign Monday evening, falling to Johns Hopkins 5-0 at Aikens Stadium.
The Blue Jays struck quickly, finding the back of the cage just 34 seconds into the contest. Lynchburg settled in following the early goal and kept Johns Hopkins off the board for the remainder of the opening quarter, including three early saves from goalkeeper Shay Schoones.
The Hornets generated their first opportunity late in the period when Grace Peterson earned a penalty corner before putting a shot on cage, but Johns Hopkins goalkeeper Aubrey Kilgore turned it away.
Lynchburg continued to create chances in the second quarter. Allie Freeman and Taylor Secrist each forced saves before Khanyisile Mzizi put another attempt on target in the final seconds of the half. However, Johns Hopkins doubled its advantage on a Caeli Robinson goal in the 27th minute to carry a 2-0 lead into halftime.
Johns Hopkins broke the contest open during the third quarter with three goals over a six-minute stretch. Sophia Albano scored in the 37th minute before Eliza Vander and An Tran followed to push the Blue Jays' advantage to five.
Despite the deficit, Lynchburg continued to put pressure on the cage. Freeman recorded two shots on goal during the third period, while Mzizi and Secrist each tested Kilgore in the closing minutes.
Freeman paced the Hornets with four shots, including three on goal, while Secrist put all three of her attempts on target. Mzizi added two shots on goal and Peterson recorded Lynchburg's other attempt. The Hornets finished with 10 shots, nine of which were on cage. Schoones made 11 saves through the opening 45 minutes, while Lila Seifert stopped both shots she faced during the fourth quarter.
Johns Hopkins finished with a 23-10 advantage in shots and a 10-3 edge in penalty corners. The Blue Jays improved to 1-0, while Lynchburg moved to 0-1.Â
The Hornets continue their non-conference slate to begin the season at Aikens Stadium with a bout against Thomas College on Friday, Sept. 4
Visit Lynchburg athletics' home online, LynchburgSports.com, anytime for up-to-date news on all Hornets sports and coverage from the Lynchburg Hornets Sports Network.
Sign up here to receive Lynchburg Sports news in your email inbox.
Give Lynchburg Sports a like on Facebook, and follow Lynchburg Athletics on Instagram and X.
--LYN--
