Oct. 17, 2007

EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette (6-9, 1-2) defeated Rider 1-0 on Wednesday night in its final home game of the regular season. Freshman Kelsey Andersen recorded her first career shutout. Classmate Cara Lyons recorded the lone goal of the game, the second of her career.

The defense on both sides of the ball remained tight through the first half as neither team was able to score. Lafayette had a slight advantage in shots 5 to 2 in the first 35 minutes. Andersen made two critical saves for the Leopards as the rookie and the defense denied Rider the ability to put one on the board, leaving the game 0-0 at the half.

With two early penalty corner opportunities, Rider came out strong in the second period. Sophomore defenseman Bridget Hilbig intercepted a Bronc pass inside the circle, bringing the action to the other side of the field.

Head coach Andrew Griffiths called a timeout and the Leopards responded, increasing offensive pressure. Senior Laura Fabian had a significant scoring opportunity on an open net, but Jennifer LoCastro made the diving save for Rider.

"We started passing the ball better, changing the angle of our attacks and we were much more effective for the last twenty minutes of the game," Griffiths said. "I thought we really controlled the game and I was happy with that. It was good to get a win for our final home game of the regular season."

The Leopards capitalized on the next corner opportunity as Lyons scored the first goal of the game with an assist by junior Maggie Condon. Lafayette continued to determine the pace of the game, forcing Rider to take its first timeout.

Lafayette field hockey maintained pressure to hold the 1-0 lead, outshooting the Broncs five to one in the second half. The Maroon and White won battles for possession of the ball and kept it out of their own circle. Andersen made two saves to secure her first collegiate shutout and the 1-0 win for the Leopards.

"It feels great to get a win. We really have been playing a lot better," Andersen said. "Our defense was great tonight, Rider didn't really have any shots and they really picked it up against them."

Lafayette (6-9, 1-2) returns to the road after its seven game homestand when field hockey travels to compete in a conference match-up against Colgate(8-6, 2-1) on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Hamilton, N.Y.