Thomson makes 10 saves in battle of unbeatens

LANCASTER, Pa. – Franklin & Marshall, ranked 13th in the latest NFHCA Division III poll, registered four second-half goals to defeat McDaniel 4-0 in Centennial Conference (CC) field hockey action on Tuesday.

Stephanie Thomson (Glen Burnie, Md./Chesapeake) made a season-high 10 saves for the Green Terror (4-1, 1-1 CC), who blanked an opponent in the first half for the fifth time in five games this season.

Becky Willert had a hand in all four goals for the Diplomats (6-0, 2-0 CC), including scoring the final three for a hat trick.

In a battle of two of the remaining three CC unbeaten teams, the defenses were on display in the first half. Franklin & Marshall held a 12-1 advantage in shots and a 7-1 edge on penalty corners but neither team could find the back of the cage through the game's first 51 minutes.

Willert crossed a ball from the right side to Diana Aulisa, who slid it home for a 1-0 lead at the 51:02 mark.

Just 3:14 later, Maura Hennigan found Willert to double the advantage.

The same duo connected just over 10 minutes later for a 3-0 lead before Aulisa returned the favor in the final 21 seconds of the game to give Willert her hat trick.

Paige Messersmith (Phoenix, Md./Dulaney) finished with three of McDaniel's four shots. Franklin & Marshall recorded 22 shots in the game.

The Green Terror returns to action at home against York (Pa.) on Thursday. Game time is 7 p.m.

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