HARRISONBURG, Va. - It was a day later than their EMU teammates, but the Royals field hockey team kicked off the 2025 season on Sunday, taking on Cedar Crest. 

EMU's defense kept the Falcons off the board for the first 41:59 of the game, but with three minutes left in the third, Cedar Crest found pay dirt, helping them pick up a 1-0 win over the Royals. 

Records: EMU 0-1, 0-0 ODAC | Cedar Crest 1-1, 0-0 UEC

Highlights

• The Royals offense wasn't able to get a shot in the opening frame, but EMU keeper Emma Huante, making her first collegiate start, picked up three saves to keep Cedar Crest off the board. 
• EMU was much more the aggressor in the second quarter, keeping the ball on Cedar Crest's half of the field. The Falcons were held without a shot in the second quarter, as EMU played lockdown defense. Joni Wiederman picked up EMU's first shot on goal, putting one on cage after the Royals earned a penalty corner, but it was saved by the Falcons keeper, to send the teams to the half knotted at zero. 
• Both teams had trouble finding the offensive zone in the third, and it looked like we were heading to the fourth still scoreless. But after an intercepted pass, Cedar Crest put a shot on net that was saved by Huante. The rebound came right to a waiting Falcon, who found the back of the cage for a 1-0 lead. 
• In the final frame, Huante grabbed two more saves to give EMU's offense a chance, but the Cedar Crest defense stopped that from happening, holding the Royals without a shot to secure the win. 

Statistical Leaders
Huante: 6 saves
Widerman: 1 SOG

What's Next
EMU will hit the road on Wednesday, heading up to Baltimore for a matchup against Goucher College. Game time against the Gophers is set for 7:00 pm. 

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