ST. CHARLES, MO. - The Lindenwood field hockey team defeated Mansfield University in a 3-1 win at Hunter Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

"Today was another great team win. Our team was able to analyze our opponent very well through the game film we watched and adapt our game accordingly to help us find success," said Head Coach Sarah Baumann. "We struggled at first to find the right pieces to the puzzle with some spots, but we were able to continue to fight and focus on our team goals. In the second half we found much more success with capitalizing as well as keeping them out of our defensive circle."

GAME OVERVIEW
Mansfield put the offensive pressure on early, maintaining most of the possession in the first period. The Lions were outshot 8-1 throughout the period, but Kyla Cooke held her ground in the net, saving a penalty shot for Mansfield early on in the game. The Lion defense held strong as a whole, and was able to hold things to a 0-0 draw going into halftime.

Mia Simpson broke through for the Lions offensively, finding the back of the net first in the third quarter off a perfect pass right across the front of the box from Orla Folan. Shortly after, Isabella Shannon would knock one in as well off the assist from Pauline Terwindt. Mansfield would go on to get on the board once, but that would be the only chance they capitalized on all game. 

Heidi van Dyk was the final Lion to score, rounding out the fourth quarter with an unassisted goal after a couple back-to-back shots from different Lions. Cooke ended the game with six total saves, improving her goalkeeping record to 2-2 on the season with today's win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE 
Simpson, Shannon and van Dyk all netted goals for the Lions, while Folan and Terwindt each recorded an assist. 

Cooke played the full 60, only giving up one goal and making six saves on the 14 shots she faced. 

Despite putting up 15 shots to Lindenwood's 13 shots, Mansfield struggled to break down the Lions' tough defense. 

"Our communication was up, we stood our ground with the physicality of the game, and we had players step up to fill roles that weren't clicking in the first half for us," said Baumann. "As coaches we are really, really proud of what the team showed today and this entire weekend."
 
UP NEXT 
The Lions will head to Frostburg State for a rematch on October 1, looking to get the win at 11:00AM EST in Maryland. 
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For more information on Lindenwood field hockey, follow us on Twitter at @LindenwoodFH, and on Instagram at @lindenwoodfh.