TEANECK, N.J. -  A strong defensive effort lifted FDU (3-4) to an 11-6 victory over Austin Peay (3-3) on Saturday afternoon.  The Knights have now won three of their last four contests.

Brielle McInaw had herself a day from the opening draw. She scored FDU's first three goals and added a fourth in the second half. Defensively, McInaw caused four turnovers and picked up three ground balls.

The Knights struck first, but Austin Peay quickly responded and took a 3-2 lead into the second quarter. FDU locked in defensively and allowed just two shots on goal in the second quarter. As the Governors committed five turnovers, the Knights began to cash in on the other end. McInaw secured her hat-trick to even the game, and then Codianni rocketed two free position shots for goals. These three unanswered goals gave FDU a 5-3 lead. Austin Peay was able to tally one before the half ended, as the Knights took a 5-4 lead into the break.

The Governors evened the match at 5-5 a few minutes into the second half. With six minutes to go in the third, a green card gave FDU an advantage. The Knights made their opponents pay as Riley Eaton found a cutting Codianni, who scored her third of the day to give FDU a 6-5 lead. The Knights would not relinquish this lead.

Codianni continued an All-NEC caliber start to her junior campaign. She has recorded three-hat tricks and has a team-leading 16 goals. The midfielder also caused two turnovers and picked up a career-high eight ground balls.

The next goal belonged to McInaw, again, but it was freshman Mia Layne with the final word of the third quarter. Her goal extended FDU's lead to 8-5. The Knights scored on all three shots on goal in the third.

Mia Layne scored again to set things up in the fourth, before Riley Eaton and Julia Corry added insurance goals. The Governors were able to log just one goal in the fourth, as the game held at 11-6 for the Knights.

It was a disciplined defensive performance all across the board for FDU. They picked up 24 ground balls and surrendered just two free position attempts. Led by McInaw, the Knights caused ten of Austin Peay's 21 turnovers.

Skylar Goodman earned the win between the pipes with a four save performance. Riley Schildt played the first half and picked up two saves.

FDU is now 2-1 at home this season.
 

What's Next

FDU is back home next Tuesday, March 10, to take on Presbyterian. First draw control is set for 11 a.m. Read Full Article