Lander Falls to Belmont Abbey in Penultimate Road Game

Lander University

Lander LANDER (8-5, 6-3)

Belmont Abbey BAC (10-4, 8-2)

Lander LANDER

(8-5, 6-3)

Final

Oct. 24, 2026

Belmont Abbey BAC

(10-4, 8-2)

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Lander LANDER	0	0	0	0	0
Belmont Abbey BAC	1	0	0	0	1

Summary
Box Score

Wilson Moreno

Game Recap: Field Hockey | 10/24/2026 6:51:00 PM | Turner Kirby - Director of Athletic Communications

Lander Falls to Belmont Abbey in Penultimate Road Game

BELMONT, N.C. - Despite holding a 20-8 advantage in shots and forcing eight saves from the Belmont Abbey goalkeeper, the Lander field hockey team could not find the backboard as the Bearcats fell to the Crusaders, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Field in their penultimate road game of the 2026 regular season.

As they did in the first meeting of the season, the Crusaders (10-4, 8-2 SAC) struck early in the opening quarter. Just over five minutes into the contest, a blocked shot rebounded to Belmont Abbey's Emily Harris, who put the ball into the cage to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Lander (8-5, 6-3 SAC) had opportunities to respond almost immediately, earning four penalty corners in the opening quarter and putting two shots on goal. The early pressure set the tone for the Bearcats offensively, as they continued to generate scoring chances throughout the afternoon.

The Bearcats finished with 18 penalty corners, including seven different sequences featuring at least two consecutive corners, but could not break through against Belmont Abbey goalkeeper Lily Willard.

Willard finished with eight saves, following a seven-save performance against Lander earlier this season in Greenwood. The Bearcats continued to test the Crusaders' defense in the second half, outshooting Belmont Abbey 11-4 over the final 30 minutes, but could not find the equalizer.

Lander's best opportunities came in the final two quarters, when Willard was forced to make six of her eight saves. Ollie Bond led the Bearcats with three shots on goal, while Leira Van Tilburg recorded a team-high five shots.

Avery Tworkoski and Maddie White split time in goal for the Bearcats, combining for three saves to keep Lander within striking distance, but the early Belmont Abbey goal proved to be the difference.

Lander will return to Frank Hill Stadium next week for its final two home games of the regular season. The Bearcats will welcome Converse on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. before hosting Barton on Halloween morning at 11 a.m.

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