RINDGE, NH – The No. 10 ranked team in the country flexed their offensive strength on the opening day of the 2022 field hockey season as Converse shutout Franklin Pierce 7-0 for the programs largest opening day win in program history.
 
"What a great way to start off the season, with a statement win on the road," Converse head field hockey coach Valerie Clarke said. "We had a slow start, but once we settled in and played our game, we connected passes, made smart plays and found the back of the goal. Our depth was on full display today as we played 24 field players and a trio of goalies. We also had goals from five different players today. Our test continues tomorrow as we turn around quickly to play another tough team."
 
With the win the Valkyries improve to 1-0 on the season and have now won back-to-back season openers. As a team Converse came close to tying the school record for goals in a game and points in a game. The Valkyries 25 total shots and 18 shots on goal tied the school record set against Sewanee last season.
 
Sophomore forward Lotte Kanters showed why she was the South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year from a season ago. The native of the Netherlands scored a hat trick in the second quarter to give the Valkyries an early 3-0 advantage. Kanters three goal performance tied the school record for goals in a game and set the program record for the fastest hat trick recorded at just under eight minutes. Kanters wasn't done as she assisted on the final goal of the half by passing it to fellow preseason First Team All-Conference selection Catalina Pistaccio.
 
In the second half Emily Whitlow scored in the third quarter off an assist by Pistaccio. In the fourth quarter Kilee Bradeen and Caroline Blair both scored their first career goals against the Ravens defense. Defensively, Converse was stout up front allowing just one shot in the entire game. The Valkyries pitched a combined shutout with goalies Anita Planella, Caroline Bailey and Madison Shorey.
 
Game Leaders:
 
Goals Scored – Lotte Kanters (3), Catalina Pistaccio (1), Emily Whitlow (1), Kilee Bradeen (1), Caroline Blair (1).
 
Assists – Catalina Pistaccio (2), Lotte Kanters (1), Aubree Dorsey (1), Josephine Jense (1), Muriel Schindler (1), Luisa Fasold (1).
 
Saves – Madison Shorey (1)
 
Next Up:
The Valkyries will have a quick turnaround with a game against Southern New Hampshire tomorrow afternoon at 12:00 p.m. Links to the web stream and live stats can be found on govalkyries.com.
 
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