Freshman forward Alyssa Fania (Annandale, N.J./North Hunterdon) had a goal and an assist as The University of Scranton stopped a two-game Landmark Conference losing streak with a 3-0 victory over Drew in field hockey action at windy Fitzpatrick Field on Saturday afternoon.
Junior forward Gretchen Kempf (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) and sophomore midfielder Jessica Conroy (Havertown, Pa./Merion Mercy Academy) added goals as the Royals (9-4, 2-2 Landmark Conference) handed Drew (9-6, 3-1 Landmark) its first loss in conference play.
Needing a win to keep its Landmark Conference playoff hopes alive, Scranton wasted little time taking control on Saturday.
Kempf put Scranton ahead less than two minutes into the match when she beat two defenders down the middle of the field, then scored past the Rangers' goalie for a 1-0 lead at the 1:51 mark. The goal was Kempf's 12th of the season, making her the first Royal to reach the 12-goal mark in a season since Heather Tallman scored 12 goals in 1995. The tally was the 22nd goal and fifth game-winner of Kempf's career.
After the Royals lead 1-0 at halftime, Fania doubled that advantage 7:17 into the second half when she deflected a shot by sophomore midfielder Laura Megargel (Morristown, N.J./Morristown) for her fifth goal of the season. The assist was Megargel's fourth of the season.
Scranton put the game away with less than seven minutes to play when Conroy scored from a yard out off a perfect cross by Fania, sending the Royals' bench into a celebratory frenzy. The goal was Conroy's second of the season while Fania recorded her third assist.
Freshman goalkeeper Krista Mundy (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) made five saves in the shutout, all in the second half. It was Mundy's second shutout of the season as she improved to 3-0 in her three starts.
Scranton has now won three of the last four against Drew. More importantly, it keeps the Royals in the hunt for a Landmark Conference playoff berth with just two conference matches left to play.
The Royals return to action Friday, October 21, when they travel to Washington, D.C. for a Landmark Conference matchup with Catholic University at 6 p.m.
--ROYALS--