HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- In its first contest in over a year, the Elmira College field hockey team fell on the road to Houghton College, 3-1. With the win, the Highlanders improved to 2-1 on the year, while the Soaring Eagles sit at 0-1.
 
After a scoreless first quarter, the Highlanders racked up three goals in a six-minute span in the second quarter to take a 3-0 lead. Sarah Retz found the back of the cage at 19:40, before Peyton Bentley tallied at 21:54. Then, at 25:30, Zoey Kasper scored to give Houghton a three-goal advantage. Cedar Smith, Bentley and Retz were credited with assists on the goals.
 
Although the Highlanders potted three goals in the second quarter, EC's starting netminder, MeganRae Burke '24, was key in keeping the deficit to just three. The freshman made six of her 10 saves in the second quarter alone.
 
Elmira cut into the Houghton lead in the third quarter behind senior Janie Kempf '21. On a penalty corner, Kempf scored the 25^th goal of her collegiate career and increased her point total to 57. With the goal, she surpassed McKenna Light '14 to claim sole possession of fourth place in EC history for career points.
 
Kempf's goal brought Elmira to within one, 3-1, with 16:08 left in regulation.
 
In the fourth quarter, Houghton outshot Elmira, 5-1, and held the Soaring Eagles scoreless to secure the win.
 
News and Notes

• Elmira played its first game since November 1, 2019.
• Houghton held a 17-7 advantage in shots and a 13-3 lead in shots on goal.
• Penalty corners were in favor of Houghton, 10-3.
• Kempf moved into fourth place in EC history for career points (57).
• Kempf scored Elmira's lone goal of the day, unassisted.
• Burke made 10 saves in her collegiate debut.

 Up Next
The Elmira women will head to Russell Sage College this Saturday, March 27, for a scrimmage in Albany, New York. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.