PRINCE ATHLETIC COMPLEX – The University of Rochester field hockey team remained unbeaten in the 2024 season after holding visiting Houghton without a shot attempt in a 4-0 shutout victory on Wednesday evening at Edwin Fauver Stadium.
 
The win pushes Rochester's record to 7-0 to start the season, the teams best stretch to begin a year since 2018 when UR rattled off 14 straight victories to start that campaign.
 
Defensively, the Yellowjackets were stout on Wednesday, not allowing the Highlanders (5-1) any shots or corners, and very limited circle penetration in the contest. Defenders Jodie Zeng, Abigal Mateer and Mara Heppard all played the entire contest on the back line, with midfielders Sophia Cuneo and Anya Arseneau each logging 60 minutes.
 
At the other end, Rochester made quick work out of the gate to grab an early lead, with Sofia LaFalce scoring on the first shot attempt of the game, coming just 89 seconds in. LaFalce notched her second score of the season, tapping in a terrific cross from the right endline by first-year teammate Hannah Mehta.
 
Rochester's offensive onslaught continued throughout the rest of the first half, but Houghton goalkeeper Amber Cribbs was up to the challenge, making six saves to keep the visitors within striking distance. At intermission, UR held just the one-goal lead.
 
In the third, the Yellowjackets earned an early corner, at the 32:16 mark. Heppard inserted and found Kristina Fedorova on the left wing for a shot. Charging to the cage, Mehta camped out in the center of the circle and provided an outstanding redirection into the goal, doubling Rochester's lead.
 
The shots and corners continued to pile up throughout the rest of the quarter, but Rochester's lead stayed at 2-0.
 
Less than two minutes into the fourth quarter, Mehta again scored on a deflection, this time with the blast from the circle coming from the other side, again off the stick of Fedorova.
 
With time winding down, the 'Jackets continued to mount pressure in the offensive zone, earning a corner with under 90 seconds to play. Heppard inserted to Cori Freundlich who ripped a shot from the left wing perfectly inside the right post. The score was Freundlich's first career tally.
 
Benefitting from not having to make a save, or even face a shot, goalkeeper Kara Houston was credited with the solo shutout for the Yellowjackets, moving her into a tie for first place in the Rochester all-time record book, with 18 over her career.
 
Houston ranks tied for first along with Kate Kujawa '20, Jean Cardinale '88 and Pamela Sheffield '04, for most clean sheets in Yellowjacket field hockey history.
 
Rochester looks to keep its strong start to the season going on Saturday, with UR making the trip to Oswego State. The game is set to begin at 11:30 am.