ST. DAVIDS, Pa.– Eastern University Field Hockey dropped a tough 2-1 decision to the visiting Stockton University Ospreys (5-1) in a non-league test. Joelle Wash put the Eagles up in the 21st minute, but the Ospreys equalized right before half and put in the game-winner with 13 minutes to play.

How It Happened:
The Eagles had a 7-2 edge in first-half penalty corners. That advantage bore fruit just after the midpoint of the half on a clean shot from the top of the circle by Wash. Hannah Doll played the insert.

The Eagles had another flurry in front of the Stockton goal on three consecutive corners, but Osprey goalie Emily Gilligan was equal to the task with two outstanding saves.

The Ospreys put the Eastern defense tot he test in a more open second half. Marley Redfield made five of her nine saves after the intermission, and the first-year goalie had some help behind her as well. Alexis Gooch made a pair of spectacular defensive saves and Harper Sellers took away another with a save on a ball at her waist.

The game-winner came on a cross from the left side and a sweep in from the goal line.

Ali Balmer had several strong runs into the circle late in the match, but the Eagles (1-5) were unable to convert.

Coach Azzarano says:
"We entered the game having questions about positions and personnel, and we walked away with some  answers. We controlled the game in the first half and earned a total of 11 corners. Scoring first was encouraging."

"Gooch had two great defensive saves and cleaned up their clearing and transition attempts to give us more offensive opportunity. Harper also stood out in the middle of the field. She had the defensive save and she was aggressive in her decisions going forward."

"We are pleased with the depth we are seeing on this team and are seeing connections on the field."

Up Next:
The Eagles are at Wesley College on Tuesday evening before starting their league schedule at Wilkes in a week.