FREDERICK Md. – Eastern Women's Soccer opened conference play with a road win on Saturday, earning a 2-0 victory over the Hood College Blazers. Molly Schellpeper struck early, Sofia Puleo sealed the win late, and Faith Leake earned her second consecutive shutout. The Eagles have now won two straight against the Blazers.

It did noy take long for Eastern to take control as Schellpeper scored the game's first goal in the 13th minute. Following a free kick, the ball was deflected and settled in the box. The Golden, Colo. native struck a slow roller past the Hood keeper, sending the ball across the goal line to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. The goal marked Schellpeper's first of her career after contributing three assists on the season.

Defensively, the Eagles suffocated Hood's offense in the first half, limiting them to just one shot, which was easily saved by Leake.

The second half saw both teams come alive, combining for 11 shots. But Leake and Eastern's defense held firm. Hood came close early, with Ryler Backer's shot deflected high, and again just moments later when Kiley O'Grady tested Leake, but the junior keeper from Philadelphia made the save to keep the Eagles in front.

As the game wore on, Eastern's offense began to find its rhythm. Despite five shots, including two from their corner kicks, the Eagles couldn't add to their lead—until the dying seconds. In the 90th minute, Paige Snell lifted a perfect pass from midfield over the Hood defense. Puleo latched onto the ball and calmly finished, placing a shot into the top right corner to secure the 2-0 win for Eastern.

Leake was once again stellar in goal. Although Hood didn't test her as much as in Tuesday's 10-save performance against No. 11 Misericordia, the junior was solid when called upon, finishing with three saves to preserve the shutout.

"Really happy to get the result we did for the opening of conference play, especially on the road," said Eastern Head Coach Jess Shanahan. "It was nice to see Molly and Sofila step up and put goals on the board. There's much we can improve on and tighten up in the attacking third, but it's a good start."

With the win, Eastern improves to 7-1-3 on the season. The Eagles will return to action on Tuesday against Stockton in Galloway, with kickoff scheduled for 6:00 p.m.

The box score for this match will be posted once it becomes available.