Box Score

ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst field hockey team beat #9 East Stroudsburg, 4-2, Sunday afternoon at Tullio Field. Marissa Faso had two goals and Blair Pembleton scored the game-winner as the Lakers recorded their first win over a nationally-ranked foe since 2009 and their first-ever victory over ESU.
 
The teams were even at 2 after 35 minutes of action. ESU controlled possession early in the second half, but Mercyhurst kept the Warriors off the board. East Stroudsburg was set to clear the ball from their zone, but Pembleton stole a crossing pass and faced a one-on-one with Warrior goalkeeper Danielle Ard. Pembleton settled the ball and fired a rocket from 10 yards out, scorching the net and putting the Lakers ahead, 3-2, at the 49:11 mark.
 
After Mercyhurst fended off four ESU penalty corners, including a Jess Wess save in the 59^th minute, the Lakers earned a corner try of their own. Pembleton's shot hit the post, but a Warrior miscue gave the hosts a penalty stroke at the 60:55 mark. Faso cashed in the opportunity, beating Ard on the left side to seal the Lakers' victory.
 
Coach Stacey Gaudette's squad played their best field hockey of the young season in the first 10 minutes of the day. After two penalty corners and two shots, Faso poked a loose ball past the Warrior defense, putting Mercyhurst ahead 1-0 after 3:22 of play. Another penalty corner led to the Lakers' second score. ESU's defense held strong on four shots, but Kelsey Lovelace deflected a Tracey Mason shot into the cage, giving the home team a 2-0 advantage at the 15:20 mark.
 
Ally Roth quickly responded to get the Warriors back in the contest, however. She scored at the 17:11 mark and then tied the match 10 minutes later with her seventh goal in five ESU games.
 
Faso scored twice, while Pembleton and Mason each had a goal. Wess posted six saves in goal. Roth led ESU with two scores, while Ard made three saves in net.
 
Mercyhurst improved to 2-1 this season, while East Stroudsburg fell to 2-3. The Lakers last beat a ranked team on September 5, 2009. They beat third-ranked IUP, 1-0, at Tullio Field. Mercyhurst had lost all 13 previous meetings with the Warriors.
 
The Lakers hit the road for two matches this coming week, beginning with another non-conference game at Seton Hill on Wednesday, September 18.