In their conference opener on Saturday, the field hockey team did not disappoint as they defeated the Purple Knights of St. Michael’s College 3-0 to earn their first win of the season.

The Chargers dominated the first quarter, forcing the Purple Knights defense and goalkeeper Riley O’Connor to make saves and force corners. It took the Blue and Gold 13 minutes before they found the back of the cage off the stick of midfielder Reilly Bialko. The attacking onslaught continued throughout the first quarter as the Chargers registered seven shots and with six penalty corners.

The second quarter was slower for the Chargers compared to the first as they registered only three shots. The Chargers cashed in another opportunity 13 minutes into the quarter when forward Alexis Rider rattled a shot home from the edge of the arc, making it 2-0 heading into the half.

A similarly matched third quarter ended with neither team finding the back of the cages. Goalkeeper Keira Integlia registered her first save in a one-versus-one opportunity to keep the Chargers lead at two goals to none.

In the fourth quarter, the Chargers returned to their first quarter form, dominating possession and putting pressure on the back line of the Purple Knights. After 12 minutes of pressure, Rider cashed in again, scoring her second goal of the game and giving the Chargers a commanding 3-0 lead. The Chargers won with that score and picked up their first win of the season, also snagging their first conference win of the season.

The Blue and Gold will return to action Tuesday when they travel to Pace University starting at 4 p.m.