HEMPSTEAD, NY – The Rider University field hockey team was defeated in its season opener Friday afternoon, falling 2-1 at Hofstra. The game was the first of the 2026 season for both sides.
After a scoreless first quarter that saw Hofstra get the period's best chance when
Addison McConnell (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional) made a defensive save on a second chance opportunity.
In the second, the Broncs got free on a two-on-one opportunity and
Emma Bonshak (Whitehall, PA/Whitehall) drew a penalty stroke. The Pride goalie was up to the challenge making a diving save to keep Rider off the board. The Broncs would break through shortly after, however when
Martina de Cespedes (Málaga, Spain/Novaschool Sunland International) made an athletic play to keep the ball in play on the sideline before entering the circle and firing a pass to Bonshak, who after she deflected the ball into the air, hit a backhand shot on the ball out of midair past the Hofstra goalie to give the Broncs the lead. It would be a short-lived lead for the Broncs as the Pride scored about two minutes later on a penalty corner to even the game going into the half.
A relatively uneventful third quarter, kept the game tied into the fourth. Five minutes into the fourth, Hofstra scored again off the penalty corner to produce the game-winner.
Quotes & Notes
"The game was within range to win and we just didn't seal the deal."
- Head Coach Gina Carey-Smith
- Hofstra ties the all-time series 17-17.
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Jade Regnart (Cape Town, South Africa/Fairmont) made the start in net, playing 57 minutes and making five saves.
- McConnell and
Samantha Biondi (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan[UConn]) played all 60 minutes in the field for the Broncs.
- McConnell,
Caroline Mauer (Wiesbaden, Germany/Humboldt Schule),
Lainey Miller (Mifflinburg, PA/Mifflinburg),
Ella Lewis (West Chester, PA/Downingtown West),
Julianna Zumas (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty),
Delaney Mack (Coopersburg, PA/Southern Lehigh), and
Eja-Maylin Mahdaoui (Hoorn, Netherlands/Copernicus) each made their collegiate debuts in the contest.
Broncs By The Numbers
- Hofstra outshot Rider 16-5, including an 8-2 edge in shots on goal.
- The Pride earned nine corners to just three for the Broncs.
- Bonshak's goal is her first of the season and ninth of her career.
- McConnell's defensive save is the first of her career.
Up Next
Rider remains on the road for a contest Sunday at Colgate. Pushback is at 2 p.m.
