College Field Hockey
Rider University 3, Villanova University 1

LAWRENCEVILLE—Senior Laura McCormick (West Windsor/WW-P South) scored her second goal of the season, breaking a 1-1 tie as the Rider University field hockey team went on to defeat Villanova University 3-1 on Sunday afternoon at Ben Cohen Field.

“I think we played very, very well,” said head coach Lori Hussong.  “There was a lot of effort, enthusiasm and hustle.”

Over 500 fans were in attendance as the field hockey team celebrated Alumni Day.

McCormick rebounded a shot by freshman Allison Baligian (Flemington/Hunterdon Central) to break the 1-1 tie with 25 minutes left in the game.

“To get a one-goal lead, toughen up and extend the lead was awesome,” Hussong said.  “We are looking to take this effort and keep improving each time we play.”

McCormick, the reigning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week, played 68 of the 70 minutes in the contest.

“Laura came through big time with her goal,” Hussong said.  “Whenever she has the ball near the circle, we know she has a chance to score and her being healthy only helps the teammates around her.”

“The ball was loose in the middle and I was able to tap it in,” McCormick remembered about the game-winner.  “The whole team was pressuring the ball and I just happened to tip it in.”

Sophomore Carlie Spaeder (Newtown Square, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara) scored her third goal of the season, using a 40-yard run for the unassisted tally to give the Broncs a two-goal lead with less than eight minutes remaining for the final score.

“Carlie used her speed to her advantage and dug down deep,” Hussong said.  “That was a great effort and it was great to see her score.”

“The game was good,” Spaeder said.  “The second half, we really played well and as a team and came together.  The defense played very strong.  Everyone just worked well and worked together.  The goal wasn't really 'my' goal, it was just an all around team effort and they were able to get me the ball up the field.”

Rider (4-5) opened the scoring just 9:17 into the game when Baligian tipped in a shot from freshman Shannon Hughes (South Plainfield) at the top of the circle.  For Baligian, it was her team-leading fourth goal of the season.

Villanova (3-6) tied the game two minutes later on a penalty corner.

Freshman Hannah Isaacs (Piscataway) picked up her first collegiate win, making six saves.

Rider out-shot the Wildcats 12-9 and the Broncs held a 10-5 penalty corner advantage.

Villanova and Rider last met on September 4, 2013 when the Broncs scored with less than six minutes remaining in a 1-0 victory on Ben Cohen Field.  Rider defeated Villanova 2-0 in Lawrenceville in 2012 and the Broncs defeated the Wildcats at Villanova 3-0 in 2011.  Rider defeated Villanova 2-1 in overtime during the 2010 season which at the time was the first Bronc win over the Wildcats since 1993 (1-0 in overtime). The Wildcats defeated Rider in 2008 at Villanova 1-0 on a corner at the end of regulation.

Rider and 'Nova have met 17 times since the series began in 1981 with the Broncs holding a 10-6-1 advantage. 

Almost 50 alumni and their families returned to Rider and were recognized at halftime.  Prior to the game, Rider recognized coach Hussong who recorded career win number 200 at Towson last Sunday.

The Broncs host Lock Haven a week from today at noon.

“We haven't been home in six games so it was nice to play in front of our home crowd,” Hussong added.  “Playing in front of the alumni and having the swim team come out and support us made the day extra special.”

“We were excited to be back on our home field,” McCormick said.  “Today was a big day, being Alumni Day and the pride and tradition means a lot to us.  We want to come out and show the traditions live on.”

“We just wanted to make the alumni proud and show that we care about the program that they built for us,” Spaeder added.

-RU-