No.18 Field Hockey Defeats Rider, 2-1

Wednesday, September 25

Buckley Field

7:00

Drexel University

((6-2))

Rider

((6-2))

RID

DREXEL

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

9/25/2013 8:38:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA – After a dominating second half, the Drexel field hockey team defeated Rider, 2-1, and extended its winning streak to four games on Wednesday night at Buckley Field. The Broncs scored in the opening minutes of the contest and maintained the one-goal lead at half. Junior Meghan Plank broke the 1-1 tie with just under six minutes remaining in regulation netting the game-winning point. Drexel outshot Rider, 10-2, and held a 7-1 advantage in penalty corners in the final 35 minutes of play. Drexel improved to 6-2 overall, including a 3-0 record at home.

Following the opening whistle, Rider quickly worked the ball into the attacking end and drew the game's first penalty corner. Junior goalkeeper Jantien Gunter blocked the initial hit from opposing forward Sandra Penas. The Broncs' Carolina Vergroesen crashed towards the goal and tipped the rebounded shot from Laura McCormick into the right side of the cage. The Dragons and Rider shared three shots and two corners each at the end of the first half.

After 50 minutes of scoreless play, freshman Jessica McCarthy recorded her first career goal and knotted the game at one, 1-1. With 18:01 showing on the scoreboard, McCarthy took a direct hit during Drexel's attacking penalty corner and sent the ball past the left side of Riders' goalkeeper Joelle Prettyman.

In the final 5:43 of the game, McCarthy carried the ball down the left side of the turf and sailed a long ball from deep outside the circle. Plank dove in front of Riders' goalkeeper and tipped the incoming shot into the back of the cage for the game-winning goal. Drexel opened the field and worked the ball around in the final minutes to hold off the Broncs', 2-1.

McCarthy tallied her first collegiate goal and assist on Wednesday night. Sophomore Lauren Hibshman and junior Rachel Sumfest recorded assists in the win. In the backfield, Jantien Gunter posted two saves combing for 51 total stops on the season.

The Dragons will return to action on September 29 at Cornell in Ithaca, N.Y. Sunday's game is set for 12:00 p.m.