Broncs pick up the pace with two conference wins

By Kadie DiGiuseppe

After facing its longest losing streak in more than 10 years, Rider field hockey had a successful weekend against two of its Northeast Conference rivals, including a 4-0 shutout over the University of New Haven Chargers and a 2-1 win over the Sacred Heart University Pioneers.

Getting back in the groove

On Sept. 26, the Broncs hosted the Chargers, its second NEC matchup, on Ben Cohen field for its     second home game of the season. 

Desperate to get its offensive power back after a five-game losing streak, Rider opened the first quarter taking eight shots, but none found the back of the cage until midfielder Anna Finn obtained her first goal of the season just before the end of the quarter. 

“It’s really crucial to start off early with that lead  because I think it gives our team a good confidence boost going into the quarters after,” Finn said. 

At the start of the second quarter, Finn continued her offensive excellence and connected on another goal from the top of the circle less than a minute in. 

By halftime, Rider had not allowed New Haven to take a single shot while they had gained three more in the second quarter. 

Within the third quarter, the Broncs offense backed off the Chargers goal but kept their defense on           lock down. 

With under ten minutes left, junior forward Emma Bonshak scored Rider’s third goal of the game. 

To cap off the afternoon, senior forward Valeria Perales hoisted in the last goal of the game off an amazing tip-in, securing the Broncs’ 4-0 shutout victory. 

During the affair, Rider limited the New Haven    offense to only two shots, which they have not done since September 2023. 

“Our defense is very strong and they did a great job back there. They did a good job of limiting the defensive corners. On the other side of that, we used our defense to start and generate our attack today,” said senior defender Megan Normile, who assisted two of the game’s goals. 

Finn took six of the Bronc’s season high 21 shots. 

“This is conference play now. Conference play is a different animal. The girls know that every second they are on the field is pinnacle,” Head Coach Gina Carey-Smith said. 

Defensive showcase

On Sept. 28, Rider did not skip a beat when they hosted the Sacred Heart Pioneers. In less than a minute, the first shot of the game was taken by Perales. Trailing by one, the Pioneers offense struck the Broncs cage nine times but eight of those shots were saved by sophomore starting goalie Jade Regnart, who was named NEC defensive player of the week. 

Rider’s offense continued to stay quiet in the second quarter but the defense remained intact, helping keep the lead going into the second half of play. 

In the 37th minute, the Broncs took their first corner of the game where they scored their second goal of the day, courtesy of Finn. 

Sacred Heart’s goal in the fourth quarter came off a penalty stroke but Rider kept its composure, securing the 2-1 weekend victory. 

The Pioneers outshot the Broncs 21-6, but Regnart saved 14 of those attempts for a new season high saves in a game. 

Rider will be back on the road to face another NEC opponent, Mercyhurst University on Oct. 3 in Erie, Pennsylvania at 1 p.m. and will travel to Philadelphia on Oct. 5 to take on La Salle University at 1 p.m.