No. 23 Delaware Shuts Out Towson, 5-0, in CAA Opener

Sunday, October 3

Newark, DE

12:00 p.m.

University of Delaware

(5-6)

Towson University

(2-9)

Delaware

Photo by: Mark Campbell

10/3/2021 4:34:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

NEWARK, Del. - The No. 23 Blue Hens opened Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play with a bang, blanking Towson, 5-0, Sunday afternoon.

"It's a great start to conference play going 1-0 and even better to go 2-0 for the weekend," said head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof. "We played a very tough Saint Joseph's on Friday and have a great start in the conference with a win over Towson. We will continue to do more prep for more 2-0 weekends."

In the fourth minute of the game, freshman Sian Emslie knocked in her first goal of the season just to the right of the goal after the goalie was pulled out on the rebound.

Fifth-year senior Femke Strien hit the back of the net on a penalty stroke to give the Blue Hens a 2-0 lead at the end of the first period.

Senior Grace Hoepfner scored the lone goal of the third period, chipping in a pass from Strien on a corner, with an assist from Ashlyn Carr as well.

Strien netted her second goal of the day and third of the season on a pass in the middle from Grace Miller in the 47th minute of the game.

Sophomore Julia Duffhuis scored the fifth and final goal of the day on a corner from the top of the circle after receiving feeds from Carr and Miller. Duffhuis currently leads the team with eight goals and 17 points. Carr follows with 11 points on one goal and nine assists.

Delaware's defense was strong, keeping Towson from taking any shots throughout the game. The Blue Hens had a 9-0 advantage in corners over the Tigers. Sophomore goalkeeper Eve Vickery made her first appearance of the season in the final quarter with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Senior goalkeeper Lizzie Gaebel earned her fifth win of the season.

At the end of the game, Miller surprised the team and announced her engagement to fiancé Dylan.

"Congratulations to Grace Miller and fiancé on their engagement this weekend" stated van de Kerkhof.

The Blue Hens travel to Hempstead, N.Y., for a CAA road game at Hofstra on Friday at 3 p.m.

For the latest on the Delaware field hockey program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFH and Instagram @Delaware_FH and like "Delaware Field Hockey" on Facebook.