Manchester, N.H. — The Adelphi University field hockey team defeated no. 10 Southern New Hampshire University, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon, improving to 3-0 in conference play.
In a back-and-forth defensive battle that saw more than 70 fouls between the two teams, Lana Mignon De Wet's first-quarter goal was all the Panthers needed to leave New Hampshire with a victory. De Wet's ninth goal of the season was set up by a strong defensive play. After forcing a turnover, the junior sparked a fast break, charging past the 25-yard line and into the shooting circle. From just a few feet inside, she wound up and sent a forehand strike past the opposition's keeper to give the Panthers an early lead.
Southern New Hampshire threatened to tie things up in the ninth minute, but Allison Gregory made a crucial save, preserving Adelphi's lead at the end of the first quarter.
Gregory shined in goal, making her fourth consecutive start. The Penmen applied pressure in the second quarter with two shots on target, but Gregory came up with both saves. Both defenses held strong throughout the period, and neither side was able to add to the scoreboard before halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Panthers' offense picked up momentum, getting off five shots. De Wet, Kelly Johnson, Jena Geels, and Izzy Leclair all tested the Penmen's keeper, but none found the back of the cage. Meanwhile, Gregory continued her stellar performance, making another three saves to maintain the shutout heading into the final quarter.
In the closing frame, Adelphi continued to apply offensive pressure in search of an insurance goal. De Wet and Geels each had strong chances but came up empty. Finally, in the last minute of play, Jody Van Aardt sealed the win. Following a penalty corner sent in by Geels, Van Aardt's long-range shot slipped past the opposing defenders and goalkeeper to put the game out of reach. It marked her first collegiate goal.
Gregory held the Penmen scoreless, stopping all six shots on goal en route to the shutout victory.
Head coach Jess Mulhern and the Panthers return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 30, when they face Mercy College. Play is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. under the lights of Motamed Field in Garden City, N.Y.
