College Field Hockey
Rider University 2, Towson University 1
Lori Hussong 200th career win

TOWSON, Md.—Senior Laura McCormick (West Windsor/WWP-South) had a goal and an assist and junior goalie Joelle Prettyman (Newark, Del./St. Mark's) made two saves as the Rider University field hockey team gave head coach Lori Hussong career win number 200 at Towson University on Sunday afternoon by a 2-1 score.

“It was a hot one,” said McCormick.  “We knew it was time to win.  We came together as a team and didn't want to let up.  We played a full 70 minutes.”

“We played a good game today,” said Hussong.  “We had good passing and kept pressure on their goalkeeper.  We actually had more scoring opportunities than will show on the scoresheet.  We had more persistence in the offense circle.”

With the game scoreless, freshman Allison Baligian (Flemington/Hunterdon Central) tipped in a shot from McCormick that beat the Towson goalie from the top of the circle, 56 seconds into the second half as Rider (3-4) opened up a one-goal lead.

For Baligian it was her second goal of the season.

Just over 10 minutes later, at the 46:42 mark, McCormick blasted another shot, with the ball deflecting off the post to notch her first goal of the season and second career goal. 

“Stacey (Dileo) sent a great through ball along the line and I happened to be there,” McCormick remembered about Rider's second goal.  “I drew it in the circle, got the goalie off her angle and just put it in.”

“Laura was finally healthy enough so we gave her the start,” Hussong said.  “She has been battling a leg injury and she came through for us in a big way.  Laura gave us stability on the front line and you saw today her ability to score.  She was outstanding and I was proud of her effort.”  McCormick played 42 minutes for the Broncs.

Towson (1-5) got to within 2-1 when Prettyman made an initial save and the Tigers clawed at the rebound putting the ball in the cage with 19:56 remaining in the game.

"We let up a late goal again, so  we need to continue to work on finding a way to play tougher and smarter in the later parts of the game," said Hussong.

Rider out-shot Towson 14-6 with the Tigers holding a 6-5 penalty corner advantage.

Baligian and freshman Kesheal Henderson (Heath, Mass./Mohawk Regional) each had three shots in the game.

"Kesheal played well," said Hussong.

Rider and Towson last met in the 2013 Bronc home opener, a 4-0 Rider win on September 20, 2013.  Rider has defeated Towson 13 times in 18 meetings (one tie) since the series began in 1982.

Hussong improves to 200-88 in 15 seasons at Rider with eight regular season conference titles, six conference championships, six NCAA play-in game appearances and five conference coach of the year honors.

“It feels amazing to be part of Coach Hussong's 200th win,” McCormick said.  “We are happy she finally got it.  It took a little longer than we wanted but we put things together as a team so that is all that really matters.”

"It is an honor for Dan (Hussong) and I to have the opportunity to be a part of such a special place here at Rider for so long,” Lori Hussong said.  “We have enjoyed every moment from the first win to today's victory and our goal has always been to give our best in helping our players have the best experience possible in everything aspect of their college life while they are with us at Rider.  Our success is because of their willingness to believe in our philosophy and give their best effort in all that they do."

Hussong ranks in the top 10 nationally in winning percentage (.694) among active coaches.

“Today's milestone is really about the current players, alumni and former assistants in the Rider Field Hockey program who made the sacrifices over the past 15 seasons,” Hussong added.

Rider travels to Drexel September 26.

“Drexel will be a tough game,” Hussong said.  “It will be great for us to experience a level of play against a team that is up in the national rankings.  Every year we give them a good game and this will help us see where we are at.  It is anyone's game on any given day.”

-RU-