NEW HAVEN, CT – The Rider University field hockey team, scored early and played consistent defense Sunday evening, defeating Sacred Heart 2-0. The win improves the Broncs to 7-5 overall and 2-1 in the NEC. The Pioneers fall to 0-12 overall, including an 0-3 league record.
 
The Broncs' offense was on full display in the opening quarter. Rider opened the scoring with a brilliant counter attack. Sierra Giuliano (Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Regional) found Valeria Perales (Madrid, Spain/IES Mirasierra) behind the Pioneer defense. Perales deked around the goalie and put the ball in the back of the cage. It was then the corner offense of the Broncs converting. Indy Zoontjens (Hilversum, Netherlands/Alberdingk Thijm College) saw her shot get blocked, but the ball rebounded onto her stick and she made a centering pass that Maeve Riehman (Norristown, PA/Archbishop Carroll) tipped in to extend the lead to 2-0.
 
Both defenses tightened in the second quarter, sending the game into the half with the Broncs maintaining the 2-0 lead.
 
The Broncs conceded a penalty stroke to the Pioneers midway through the third quarter. Carlee Fulton (West Chester, PA/West Chester East) was inserted into the game to defend the stroke, and the move was rewarded when Fulton used the blocker to fend off the attempt. The game would remain 2-0 entering the fourth.
 
Neither side made a threatening offensive move in the final quarter, as the Broncs secured the shutout victory.

Quotes & Notes
- Rider now leads the all-time series 26-8.
- Rider has won three-straight games.
- Kaitlyn Tomas (Campbellville, Ontario/Appleby College) made the start in net, making three saves to earn the win.
- The win is the Broncs' third shutout of the season.
- Zoontjens has recorded a point in seven-straight games.

Broncs By The Numbers
- Rider outshot Sacred Heart 19-10, including a 7-4 edge in shots on goal.
- Rider earned eight corners, while the Pioneers earned five.
- Reihman's goal is her first of the season.
- Perales' goal is her NEC-leading 12^th of the year.
 
Up Next
- The Broncs hit the road to play Stonehill for the first time ever on Friday. Game time is set for 3 p.m.