Eastern University Field Hockey did what they were supposed to do. The #10 Eagles defended their home turf with a 2-0 win over Misericordia University to claim the top seed in the upcoming Freedom Conference Tournament. Yvonne Herbster scored a pair of first half goals and Laura Ressler and the Eastern defense picked up their 7th shutout in 17 matches.

Herbster opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a solid rip from the right side as a loose ball bounced around following a penalty corner.  Five minutes later, the junior standout picked up her eighth of the year on a pass from Kim Campbell. 

Though the two-goal edge would be more than enough for the Eagles, the visiting Cougars did all they could to make their hosts uncomfortable through the rest of the game. Misericordia held a 14-11 advantage in shots, and a 13-10 edge in penalty corners, but Ressler made five of her six saves in the second half to preserve the shutout.

Prior to the match the Eagles honored their senior class for their contribution to the program over the past four years. Ressler and Sarah Garber both transferred in to Eastern after their freshmen seasons elsewhere and have been mainstays. Campbell is moving up the Eastern career scoring lists and currently leads the Eagles with 12 goals and 31 points. Lisa Gocht and Tara Shisler came to Eastern as freshmen and have played a role in helping Eastern Field Hockey to become a regular fixture in the top 20.

Over the past three years, the Eagles are 48-14, and they have reached the 'Sweet 16' twice. Their 15-2 start is made more impressive by their three wins over teams in the top 15 in the nation. The senior class received recognition today as the team secured the top spot in the Freedom Playoffs, but the team has more work to do with two more regular season games next week and big plans for the post-season.

The Eagles will host a to be determined opponent on Wednesday, Nov 3 at a too be determined time. All four of Eastern's teams that compete in post-season tournaments have secured first round home games. Men's Soccer will play at home on Tuesday Nov. 2nd, and Women's Soccer, Field Hockey, and Volleyball will be home on the 3rd.