State College field hockey season ended by to Lower Dauphin

By Kenny Varner Jr.
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Updated: November 5, 2020

Photo by Jeff Shomo
The number 8 seed, State College Field Hockey (8-4-1), as the District VI Champion, traveled to Hummelstown to play the number 1 seed, Lower Dauphin Falcons (12-0-0) in the District III quarterfinals. State College had a slow start in the first quarter and was unable to connect on their passing game. Lower Dauphin capitalized on that opportunity and dominated possession. LD had 6 penalty corners in the first quarter and on one of those corners, with 10:03 remaining, Lauren Hunter scored on a shot to put LD ahead 0-1. Despite nine shots on goal during the first quarter, SC’s senior Goalkeeper, Bayla Furmanek, saved all but one of them, giving SC a chance to turn things around. In the second quarter, SC held LD to 4 shots on goal, but LD was able to capitalize on three of them. With 13:27 on the clock, Lauren Hunter passed to Emmy McCulley who knocked the ball in the cage. Then at 9:48 LD’s Alexa Shaffer scored on a penalty corner with an assist from Paige Bitting. The fourth goal of the game came when LD’s Abby Lauer scored on a shot in the circle with 3:46 remaining in the second quarter. After the half, SC began getting some traction while moving the ball and improved their energy on the field. They were also able to keep Lower Dauphin from scoring or even getting any shot on goal or penalty corners. Although SC was awarded two penalty corners during the third quarter, they were unable to convert. During the fourth quarter State College began passing more effectively, but still had trouble moving the ball into the circle. The final goal of the game came with 1:23 remaining. LD was awarded a penalty stroke and Paige Bitting scored on Fumanek who narrowly missed the ball to end the game SC-0, LD-5.

Following the game, State College’s Head Coach Sharon Herlocher said, “I’m so proud of our 8 seniors and the way they led this team. They adapted and kept this team focused, growing and mostly caring for each other through a season filled with incredible uncertainty.”

“Lower Dauphin is a strong program and undefeated for a reason. Our goalie, Bayla Furmanek, continued to be a rock for us and gave us a fighting chance. We just had a difficult time getting our attack going. We had moments, but not enough to really compete tonight. Our program is growing and playing in games like this makes us stronger. We’ll learn from it. It was a great season, one that was filled with memories to cherish forever. Thanks seniors.”

Game summary:

Varsity Game (3:45 pm):
State College 0
Lower Dauphin 5

Varsity Goals:
LD –Lauren Hunter, Emmy McCulley, Alexa Shaffer, Abby Lauer, Paige Bitting

Varsity Assists:
LD –Lauren Hunter, Paige Bitting

Varsity Goalkeeper Saves:
SC, 12 – Bayla Furmanek