HENNIKER, N.H.- The Delaware Valley field hockey team started the season off with a 3-1 loss to Simmons University at the New England College Tournament in Henniker, New Hampshire on Saturday.
 
Goalie Alyssa Rudd was put to the test in the first quarter with seven corners in the first quarter. The Aggies held strong allowing 13 shots without giving up a goal. Simmons converted in the second quarter earning a 1-0 lead over the Aggies in the 21^st minute.
 
DelVal got their first look at the goal in the 22^nd minute when Ashley Birmingham ripped off a shot wide followed by another look by Lillian Plank in the 26^th minute saved by the Simmons goalie.
 
Simmons controlled the third quarter with a penalty stroke four minutes in to take a 2-0 lead followed by another goal with just two minutes remaining for a 3-0 lead. Rudd fended off another attempt from Simmons to start the final frame, putting the Aggies in possession. The ball made its way from the right-side goal line up to Sydney Keagle out front of the net for the spin-around shot into the goal to put DelVal on the board 3-1.
 
Keagle and Ashley Birmingham led the team in shots on goal with two apiece. Rudd totaled 12 saves during her 60 minutes in the cage.
 
DelVal returns to action tomorrow, Sep. 1 at 12 p.m. when they take on host New England College.