LANCASTER, Pa.--An early second half surge by the Franklin and Marshall Diplomats doomed Eastern's field hockey team Saturday afternoon. The visiting Eagles fell to 0-2 on the season with the 6-2 loss.

Down 3-1 at the half, the Eagles narrowed the gap in the 44th minute with a goal from the left side by Yvonne Herbster, assisted by Brittany Moyer. However, the Diplomats came right back down the field and responded with three consecutive goals in a five-minute span.

Eastern's coaching staff was obviously disappointed with the loss, but did take a few positives from the game. Assistant coach Leslie Messick noted that eight Eastern freshmen played today and that they played well. She also noted that Eastern earned more corners (13 to F&M's five) and held them to no goals off corners.

She added that the Eagles need to work on their composure after scoring a goal.

To start the game the Diplomats jumped on the Eagles early, scoring just before the two-minute mark and adding another in the third minute. The Eagles got on the board after a corner in the 26th minute after a goal by Alexa Borrelli, assisted by Sarah Webb.

Both teams recorded 15 shots. Seven of those were shots on goal by the Eagles, while all but one of the Diplomats' shots were on goal.  

The six goals allowed was the most by Eastern in recent memory. The last time they allowed at least five goals was October 2007 against Rowan University.

The Eagles hope to bounce back on the road against The College of New Jersey on Tuesday.

Box Score