LANCASTER, Pa. –  In a match-up of nationally ranked teams, Eastern Field Hockey battled the Franklin & Marshall Diplomats through tough 70 minute match. The host Diplomats scored twice in the waning moments of the second half to earn a 2-0 win. Eastern goalkeeper Nicole Berger recorded 20 saves to keep her team in the game.

Right off the start, the fourth ranked Diplomats (11-2) attacked. Within the first 17 minutes of the first half, F & M had driven seven shots on goal. Berger saved them all. No. 19 Eastern (9-3) was able to weather the storm, but the visitors needed a chance of their own to try and take the lead.

In the 31st minute the Eagles got their opportunity. After a foul in the arc, the referee rewarded a penalty stroke. F & M goalkeeper Ilianna Santangelo made the stop to keep the game level at half. The Diplomats had an 11-2 advantage in shots in the first half.

The second half was much like the first. The Diplomats had nealry all of the ball. They peppered shots toward Berger. The sophomore transfer stood tall in the cage. After she had turned away 12 shots in the opening 35 minutes. She came back with a nearly equal number in the second half.

Head Coach Camrin Azzarano praised her goalie  "Berger broke out today. She was extremely poised and handled some very difficult shots. [I am] Very proud of the mental toughness especially after the second quick goal was scored."

In the 58th minute though the Diplomats finally broke through. Forward Maria Guarisco put away a rebound for a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later the hosts scored again for a two-goal edge.

Azzarano said of the game "We are a better team today after this game. [It was] Not our best showing on the offensive third, but [it was] a huge success defensively as a team. This game also helped to highlight areas to work on for Saturday."  

Eastern will take on Wilkes University at home on Saturday Oct. 17th at 12PM.