GREENWOOD, S.C. — The Newberry College field hockey team used a pair of fourth-quarter goals and another dominant defensive performance to earn a 2-0 road victory over Lander on Tuesday evening.
Playing the second of three consecutive road contests, the Wolves squared off with the Bearcats for the first time this season and found themselves locked in a defensive battle throughout the opening three quarters. Both sides generated opportunities in the first half, but neither was able to break through. Newberry fired four shots in the opening quarter and totaled five attempts in the first half, but was unable to find the back of the cage.
Lander also recorded four first-half shots, but the Wolves' defense was up to the challenge. Goalkeeper Kensley Harris turned away both Bearcat attempts that reached the cage, while the other two sailed wide to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime.
The defensive battle intensified after the break, with neither team registering a shot during the entire third quarter.
After three scoreless periods, Newberry finally broke through just three minutes into the fourth.
Wibien Dahmen continued her impressive scoring form, firing a shot past the Lander goalkeeper to give the Wolves a 1-0 advantage.
Newberry didn't have to wait long to double its lead.
Just four minutes later, Karlijn Frenken delivered a well-placed pass to Amber Tozana, who finished the opportunity to give the Wolves some breathing room with a 2-0 advantage.
From there, the Newberry defense slammed the door. The Wolves held Lander without a single shot in the second half, including a second consecutive shotless quarter in the fourth, to secure the shutout victory.
Dahmen and Tozana accounted for Newberry's two goals, while Frenken recorded an assist. Harris finished with two saves in goal to earn her sixth shutout of the season.
The Wolves will now enjoy a week away from competition before wrapping up their three-game road swing against Belmont Abbey on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m.
