Lindsay Hischak netted a game-tying goal in the 54^th minute, but the Misericordia University field hockey team couldn't hold on, falling to Freedom rival Wilkes 2-1 on Senior Day at Mangelsdorf Field Tuesday afternoon.
 
“It's always a tough loss, especially when it's against one of our conference rivals,” said senior defender Liz Murdock. “We played a really strong second half but unfortunately didn't get the result.”
 
Both teams got off to a bit of a slow start, but eventually it was Wilkes who got their attack going first, outshooting MU 11-2 in the first half and holding a 9-1 advantage on penalty corners. However, senior goalkeeper Grace Riker and the MU defense held strong, keeping the game scoreless at halftime.
 
“We started off a little rough in the beginning,” said Riker of her team's performance. “My defense was playing strong for me tonight, and together we did a good job of protecting the goal and giving us a chance.”
 
The Colonels found the goal first in the second half, when Ashley Hahn took a pass from Aliya Frankel to give Wilkes a 1-0 lead in the 46^th minute.
 
The Cougars continued to fight, and Hischak answered with a putback goal in the 54th minute to net the score at 1-1.
 
However, Frankel would score one of her own in the 60^th minute to close the scoring and give Wilkes the win.
 
After the game, the MU seniors took a few minutes to talk about their time as part of the team.

 
“It's been a lot of hard work,” said Riker of her four years. “Sometimes it's been frustrating and sometimes it's been full of joy, but all it all it's been worth it in the end. I think it's helped me to develop into a better individual.”
 
“Our four years definitely went by very quickly,” Murdock echoed. “The field hockey team has been a second home for us and a family, and it's going to be tough to leave that behind.”
 
The Cougars will close out their regular season on Thursday, hosting Marywood at 4:00 PM.