PHILADELPHIA – Playing its first of two non-conference games this week, the University of Pennsylvania field hockey team fell to Monmouth, 4-2, at Ellen Vagelos Field Friday afternoon.

Despite controlling the ball for a good part of the first half, Penn (4-5) found themselves down early in the contest, trailing by a 3-0 score 17 minutes into the game.

Before the opening period would end, the Quakers would pull within a goal. Sophomore Elise Tilton would strike first for the Red and Blue at the 33-minute mark. Tilton struck from the right side off a penalty corner that saw good execution from senior MaryRose Croddick and sophomore Claire Kneizys.

Moments later, Penn decreased its deficit to one when junior Elizabeth Hitti fed freshman Alexa Hoover on a breakaway that saw Hoover rip a shot into goal just before the half ran out. The goal against Monmouth (6-6) marks the ninth for Hoover, leading the team.

In her first collegiate start in goal, freshmanLiz Mata made three saves in 51 minutes, while allowing four goals. Senior goalkeeper Allison Weisenfels came on and played 18 minutes, making four saves.

Penn will now travel south, visiting No. 2 Maryland on Sunday. The Quakers and Terrapins face off at 1 p.m.

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