LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Rider University field hockey team got off to a strong start on the season, defeating Bellarmine in a neutral site game, hosted by Lock Haven, Friday morning. The game was the season opener for both teams.
 
Following a scoreless first quarter, the Broncs got on the board midway through the second. Lyric Scott (Union, NJ/Union) pounced on a loose ball in the circle during a scramble, resulting in the ball making its way to the back of the cage to open the scoring. Sierra Giuliano (Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Regional) then found Valeria Perales (Madrid, Spain/IES Mirasierra) with a pass into the circle, where Perales extended the lead to two going into the half.
 
Late in the third quarter, it was another freshmen connection, as Berta Tutusaus (Matadepera, Spain/Escola Montcau La Mola) found Indy Zoontjens (Hilversum, Netherlands/Alberdingk Thijm College), who then made a pass to Giuliano, who beat the Knights' keeper near post to push the lead to 3-0.
 
Bellarmine got on the board early in the fourth, knocking in a rebound to cut the deficit to 3-1, but the Broncs immediately responded. Giuliano took a shot off a penalty corner that Perales deflected into the cage for her second of the game.

Quotes & Notes
"We are so proud of our team. It was an unselfish, give your best effort, win today."
 
"Everyone contributed in their own special way in their given role, which is something we worked very hard to cultivate."
 
"The team trusts and believes in each other, believes in their coaches, and with that type of mentality we will improve each time we step on the field." – Head Coach Lori Hussong
 
- Rider now leads the all-time series 2-0, after also defeating the Knights last season.
- Rider has won its season-opener in three-straight seasons.
- Kaitlyn Tomas (Campbellville, Ontario/Appleby College) made three saves to earn the victory in goal.
- Kiki van Ommeren (Amsterdam, Netherlands/Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam), Meg Normile (New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt), and Zoontjens played all 60 minutes in the win.
- Perales, Normile, and Zoontjens were in the starting lineup for their Rider debuts.
- Semra Said (Mannheim, Germany/Feudenheim Gymnasium Mannheim), Jess Rochat (Durban, South Africa/St. John's DSG), Emma Abromavage (Fairfax, VA/Fairfax), and Tutusaus each made their Rider debuts off the bench.

Broncs By The Numbers
- The Broncs out-shot Bellarmine 8-6, including a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal.
- Rider earned seven corners, to just three for the Knights.
- Scott's goal is the first of her career.
 
Up Next
- The Broncs come home to Ben Cohen Field for a meeting with Colgate on Sunday at 12 p.m.