RICHMOND, Va. – The top-seeded Saint Joseph's field hockey team topped fourth-seeded Davidson, 2-1, at VCU's Cary Street Field on Thursday in the semifinals of the 2026 Atlantic 10 Field Hockey Tournament. With the win, the Hawks move on to the championship game on Saturday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Saint Joseph's (10-9) got on the board early as
Milou Kluyt sent a long ball across to
Kiki Bruning just outside the circle; Bruning then fired in toward the cage for
Alison Buffington, who redirected it past Eleanor Larsen for a 1-0 lead after five minutes.
• The Hawks held more possession than the Wildcats through the end of the first half, but it did not translate to goals, as the half ended with the Hawks on top by a goal and each team recording four shots.
• The Hawks controlled the third period, benefitting from three cards assessed to the Wildcats in the quarter, and ultimately doubled their lead as Kluyt's effort on a corner was blocked before the rebound fell to
Alex Enslin; Enslin scooped it past substitute keeper Avery Foster for a 2-0 advantage as the game headed to the final frame.
• Davidson (10-10) would cut the margin in half on a goal by Ise Adams in the final minute, but the Hawks held on for the win to advance to Saturday's title game.
BEHIND THE BOX SCORE
• The Hawks outshot the Wildcats, 12-7, but Davidson held a 5-4 advantage in shots on target. The Hawks earned seven penalty corners in the game, including five in the third quarter alone, while Davidson took one.
•
Avianna Wagner made four saves for the Hawks, while Foster made one for the Wildcats. Emma Datch added a defensive save for Davidson.
• The win puts the Hawks into their 11th consecutive Atlantic 10 championship game, extending the league record. That streak is now the longest active streak of conference title game appearances in Division I after North Carolina saw its own 11-year streak come to an end on Wednesday. Miami (Ohio) has appeared in the last 10 MAC title games, and plays in the semifinals later on Thursday for a chance to draw level with the Hawks.
UP NEXT
The Atlantic 10 title game is set for noon on Saturday; the Hawks will face the winner of Thursday's second semifinal between second-seeded Richmond and third-seeded tournament host VCU.
