No. 9 Slippery Rock field hockey rolled past Maryville University 3-0 on Sunday, securing the best start to a season in program history. The victory pushed SRU to 7-0, marking not only the strongest opening stretch ever, but also the longest win streak the program has recorded.
Slippery Rock controlled the match from the opening whistle, outshooting Maryville 22-0 in the first half. Saints goalkeeper Bri Raak kept SRU off the board through the first period, but freshman Delaney Evans broke through just before the 22nd minute, finishing a setup from Coral Piramo for a 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Piramo earned a penalty stroke opportunity, but Raak denied it to keep Maryville within one heading into halftime.
Any hopes of a Maryville comeback evaporated quickly when Evans struck again just five minutes into the second half, this time off an assist from Grace Williams, doubling the advantage. Exactly seven minutes later, Williams added a goal of her own, her fifth of the season, beating Raak to make it 3-0. SRU continued to press, outshooting Maryville 11-3 the rest of the way to secure the dominant shutout.
In the match, Slippery Rock outshot Maryville 33-3. Lucy Hutchinson led the attack with 10 shots, while Hilary Hoffman and Piramo added five each. In goal, Sam Black posted her second complete‑game shutout of the season, facing just two shots on goal.
SRU’s seven wins already match the program’s highest single‑season total since the 2017 team won 10 games. Through seven contests, The Rock is averaging 4.14 goals per game while allowing just 0.86. This marks the first time the program has ever scored 29 goals in that span.
Slippery Rock continues its five‑game road trip when it opens conference play at No. 10 Millersville University at on Oct. 3.
