ST. DAVIDS, Pa. – Eastern Field Hockey earned an important 2-1 home win over Wilkes University. The No. 19 Eagles (10-3, 4-0 MAC Freedom) tallied two second half goals to stay unbeaten in MAC Freedom play.

Wilkes (7-8, 2-2 MAC Freedom) had a great opportunity in the 15th minute. Megan Bolton made a huge defensive save after Hayley Gayoski fired a shot that looked to be sure to give the visitors and early lead.

Bolton put a dangerous shot on goal in the 20th minute, but the Wilkes goalkeeper made a nice save to keep the match scoreless. Moments later Bolton's blast on a penalty corner whistled wide of the net.

Wilkes came right back with two shots, but Eastern goalie Nicole Berger made back-to-back saves.

The Eagles held an 8-6 advantage in shots in the first half and earned eight penalty corners.

Head Coach Camrin Azzarano said "The girls did a very good job of keeping their composure today. We did not get off to a quick start and had to stay very focused to get our passing game going.  I was pleased with the self corrections through out the first half that led to strong momentum going in to the second."

Jessica Kinzler fired a shot in the 44th minute. A Wilkes defender made a play on the ball, but the rebound rolled free. Macey Talhelm beat her mark to the ball and  hammered home her second goal of the year to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead

Berger tallied back-to-back stops on the door step in the 50th minute. Azzarano went on to say of Berger's play "Berger had another excellent performance. Wilkes goes at the cage hard and fast. She made several critical stops."

Alison Hoag extended the Eastern lead on a penalty corner goal. Gina Miller played the insert. Bolton received the ball at the edge of the circle and found Hoag on the back post for a 2-0 edge.

With first place in the MAC Freedom on the line, Wilkes did not go away without a fight. Jenna Skrinak scored on a rebound in the 59th minute.

Wilkes pressed to try to tie the match, but the visitors picked up a late yellow card and had to finish the match playing short-handed. The Eagles held the ball for the final minutes of the contest to remain alone atop the MAC Freedom standings.

Eastern plays at FDU-Florham on Wednesday.