Nearly halfway through the season, the field hockey team is finding the pressure to beat tough opponents has increased, yet the Mustangs look to learn from their mistakes.

The team lost to Albright College, 3-2, on Oct. 1, and now is 2-6 at the season’s midpoint. It was Stevenson’s first-ever loss to Albright in five meetings, and though the Lions and the Mustangs were fairly even on shots, Stevenson could not get the game-winning shot. The team faced adversity early in the season after a 5-3 loss to Goucher College on Sept. 14, but has learned a lot in the process.

Emily Dinsmore, the team’s graduate assistant, said the key is to take a lesson from each game and to work on rebuilding after a tough loss. Focusing on positivity on and off the field helps the team rebound, she added

The Mustangs lost an 8-0 shutout to one of their strongest opponents, Messiah College, on Sept. 24. The Eagles are nine-time defending Mid-Atlantic Conference (MAC) champions and ranked second nationally.

Dinsmore said that the team looks towards senior captains Rosemarie Neiva, Holli Eppley, Blair Bitner, and goalkeeper Gabriella Brooks to help lead the team. A strong defensive group on the field helps the Mustangs keep up their momentum and boosts team morale, she added.

Getting the entire team involved is key to winning games. Offense is also crucial for the Mustangs, said Dinsmore, adding that sophomore forwards Sara McVey and Alexis Young “create a lot of attacking opportunities for us on the field.”

“Accountability is big on this team… it’s not just the goalie, or the forward — it’s all of us. Not dwelling on the losses, but looking ahead and doing better,” said Neiva.

The team will face Hood College in Mustang Stadium on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m.