New Haven, Conn. - Powered by a hat trick from Jillian Riche, the Adelphi University field hockey team picked up an important conference win on the road at Southern Connecticut State University on Friday evening, by a final score of 6-4.

In a game with potential NE10 tournament implications, it was the Owls who struck first just over three minutes into action. Less than two minutes later, Emiline Biggin fired a ball from the top of the scoring circle to even the contest at 1-all.

Later in the period, Amanda Lee stole a pass in Southern's defensive zone and took a fast break down for just the goalie to beat, and tucked one under her left pad to shift the momentum, putting the Panthers on top. Less than a minute later, off a save from SCSU goalkeeper Rachel Miller, Lee corralled a high loose ball and sent it home low to give the Brown and Gold a two-goal lead. 

Toward the end of the frame, Riche fielded a pass from Elisabeth Seyfarth and became the third Panther to beat Miller in the first 15 minutes to put Adelphi in the driver's seat up 4-1. 

Not yet giving way, the Owls quickly responded in the second quarter of play. Only 52 seconds in, Tori Geaglone gathered herself after a blocked shot to find a clean path near the top of the circle and gas the ball through the defense to cut the deficit to just two. 

Long distance continued to be the play in the first half, as -- following a fast break -- Rodriguez tallied another from up top, preceded by a spin move on the defense to give her separation. With the Owls holding a 5-0 shot advantage in the second frame, the teams headed into the break 4-3. 

Offenses began to stall out slightly as both squads were aware of the slim margin for error from either side. The first mistake was made by Southern, as the referees granted the 'Cats a penalty stroke, choosing Riche to take the stripe. The junior was able to fool the goalkeeper with some misdirection and net her second of the game. 

Heading into the final 15 minutes, the hosts began to dial up the pressure, en route to six penalty corners and five shots. With about 11:30 to go, Geaglone too was granted a penalty stroke, which she beat new Panther goalkeeper Justina Cavallaro to put the Adelphi lead at only one.

Adelphi was able to capitalize on Southern's aggressive play in the last minute of action, when Lee and Riche raced down the offensive zone. Lee tapped another high ball down to herself and found Riche right at the goal line, who tapped in her third of the game to secure the victory for the Brown and Gold.

Head Coach Jess Mulhern and the Panthers will return to Garden City for a three-game homestand, starting with Molloy on Wednesday (Oct. 18). Game time is set for 4 p.m.