The Lindenwood field hockey team improved its record to a perfect 3-0 to begin the 2017 season on Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over the Bellarmine Knights from Louisville, Ky. Bridget Hoogendijk scored her team-leading third and fourth goals during Lindenwood's first road win of the year.

After 16 minutes of scoreless play to open the ECAC match, Lindenwood broke the scoring ice with the first goal of the afternoon at the 16:04 mark. Maroussia Buysschaert sent a pass towards toward Shelby Pierson, who found the back of the cage for her first goal of the season.

Lindenwood's 1-0 lead would hold for just over 10 minutes, as Bellarmine evened the score in the 27th minute of the half. The Lions held a 10-1 edge in shots and a 6-0 advantage in penalty corners during the opening frame, but the score remained tied 1-1 as the team's entered halftime.

Lindenwood began the second half with two quick scores, seizing control of the game, and building itself a 3-1 lead. Hoogendijk collected both goals for the Lions, scoring at 36:29 and 38:36 of the second half. Hoogendijk's first score was unassisted off of a rebound opportunity, while the second goal was assisted by Graycen Dave.

Bellarmine would cut into the Lindenwood lead with a goal in the 41st minute of the match, bringing the score to 3-2 with nearly 30 minutes remaining. Lindenwood's defense stood tall for the remainder of the contest, limiting Bellarmine's scoring opportunities, and protecting its one-goal lead.

Goalkeeper Skylar Starbeck earned her third win of the season in net for the Lions. Starbeck turned in one save in just over 60 minutes of action. Mackenzie Litterst relieved Starbeck during the final nine minutes of the game.

Lindenwood outshot Bellarmine by a total of 19-3, including a 12-3 edge in shots on goal. The Lions were awarded nine penalty corners to Bellarmine's one.

Following the victory, Lindenwood improves its record to 3-0 to begin the season, and are now 2-0 from within the ECAC. The Lions will return to Hunter Stadium on Sep. 22 for a 5:00 p.m. clash with the Mercy Mavericks.