LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Senior
Kaitlyn Flemming (Bellmawr, NJ/Triton Regional) scored on a stroke in the third quarter as the Rider University field hockey team defeated Fairfield, 1-0, Thursday afternoon on Ben Cohen Field. Rider (3-0, 3-0 NEC) got a measure of revenge for an overtime loss to the Stags (3-2, 1-2 NEC) in the 2019 NEC Championship Game.
Following a scoreless first half, Rider created several opportunities with just over six minutes left in the third quarter. Initially, the Broncs looked to have scored, before the officials conferred and awarded a stroke, which Flemming converted for the score.
The Broncs' defense maintained the lead the rest of the way, with
Kaitlyn Tomas (Campbellville, Ontario/Appleby College) making two saves for the shutout victory.
Quotes & Notes
"It's always good to beat Fairfield because we haven't beaten them in such a long time. Our kids have been working so hard for this moment and I'm glad that we were able to finish the job. I'm really proud of everybody, from the top on down, participated in this win." –
Rider Head Coach Lori Hussong
- Tomas moved to 3-0 with the victory in the cage.
- Rider's defense has not allowed a goal this season, posting three shutouts.
- Rider scored its goal while playing down a player due to a green card.
- Rider shortened its bench, using just 13 players in the win. 10 Rider players played all 60 minutes.
- With Thursday's other results around the NEC, Rider (3-0) and Bryant (1-0) are the last remaining unbeaten teams in league play. The top two teams in the league will play for the NEC Championship on a date to be determined between April 19-24 on the higher-seeded team's home field.
- The Broncs return to action April 8 at home against Wagner. The Seahawks suffered their first league loss to LIU this afternoon.
Broncs By The Numbers
- The goal was Flemming's first of the year and the 14
th of her career.
- Rider took a 9-4 edge in shots, including a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal.
- Fairfield took seven penalty corners to the Broncs' five.
