Saint Francis University Athletics Update: Red Flash Field Hockey

Strategic Insights -

As the Saint Francis University Athletics department looks forward to the final weekend of regular-season play, the Red Flash field hockey team is gearing up for critical matches against NEC foes New Haven and Fairfield. Led by head coach Mackenzie Allessie, the team has shown remarkable performance, with junior goalkeeper Mia DiGenova contributing significantly to their 11-3 record and share of first place in the NEC standings with Fairfield.

Key Takeaways:

  • The upcoming match on Friday between Saint Francis and Sacred Heart marks their 22nd encounter since the series began in 2001, with the Pioneers leading the all-time series with 15 wins.
  • Ines Braithwaite, the Red Flash's leading scorer, has five assists and 13 points, while junior goalkeeper Brianna Cooper carries a save percentage of .714 on the season with one shutout.
  • The last time Saint Francis played Sacred Heart was just last season, when they shut out the Pioneers 2-0, with Madison Waldspurger and Consu de Castro responsible for both goals.
  • Senior Madison Waldspurger has 17 goals and 15 assists in her career, moving her into a tie for seventh place on the program's all-time list, and can become the seventh player in team history with 50 points with her next registered point.
  • Head coach Mackenzie Allessie becomes the second head coach to win 10 games twice as a Saint Francis head coach, just behind former head coach Stacey Bean.
  • The 2025 roster includes sophomore transfers Julia Barto (Indiana [Pa.]), Avery Bradburn (Richmond), and Addie Sholly (Lehigh), as well as freshmen Hailee Adams, Piper Almy, Delaney Amole, Ryan Engleman, Gianna Lambert, and Morgan Smeltz.

Statistics:

  • Mia DiGenova has contributed to two additional wins, including a shutout against Rider University, bringing her season total to seven wins.
  • The Red Flash team has achieved an 11-3 record and share of first place in the NEC standings with Fairfield.
  • Sophia Marciano has scored 13 goals and provided two assists since the start of the 2025 season.
  • Madison Waldspurger has 17 goals and 15 assists in her career, moving her into a tie for seventh place on the program's all-time list.

Sources:

  • The all-time series between Saint Francis and Sacred Heart
  • The Red Flash field hockey team's performance in the NEC standings
  • Mia DiGenova's contributions to the team's success
  • Sophia Marciano's scoring record
  • Madison Waldspurger's career statistics
  • Head coach Mackenzie Allessie's coaching record and background
  • The 2025 roster and player transfers