CHAMPS! Field Hockey Claims MAC Freedom Title with 1-0 Win Over DeSales

MADISON, N.J. (November 3, 2018) - The FDU-Florham field hockey team defeated DeSales University in the Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom Championship game 1-0, Saturday afternoon at Robert T. Shields Field. The Devils established a school-record with their 17th win of the season, and won the MAC Freedom Championship for the second time. The 1-0 win was the sixth 1-0 win of the season, while the 10th shutout of the season extended the school-record. Their first MAC Freedom title came in 2014, and the Devils are making their fourth trip to the NCAA Tournament in program history. Besides 2014, FDU qualified for NCAA's in 1984 and 1986. Senior Makayla Pak was awarded tournament Most Valuable Player after notching a goal and an assist in the two tournament contests. The Devils nearly scored in the opening minutes. In the 7th minute, senior Chrissy Penney found herself in a scrum for the ball in front of the cage and somehow rifled a shot passed the keeper but DeSales sophomore Erin Chioffe made a full-extension diving save to keep the game tied at zero. Both teams were unable to get another shot on goal until the 32nd minute when the Bulldogs shot attempt was saved by senior Samantha Rubin. The Bulldogs held a 4-3 shot advantage in the first half but the Devils led 8-4. In the 53rd minute the Devils claimed the lead on their fourth shot of the half. The goal scoring play was set up by a corner attempt from junior Maggie Sohns. Pak received the ball at the top of the semi-circle and rifled a shot which was deflected off the keeper's pads. Senior Kelly O'Neill was in perfect position to collect the rebound and score on the putback. The goal was her team leading 13th goal on the season. The Devils defense held the Bulldogs to zero second half shot attempts, and only four in the game. FDU will find out their NCAA Tournament opponent late tomorrow evening via a press release on NCAA.com. Stay tuned to fdudevils.com for more information.