WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. -  The Monmouth University field hockey team was defeated by Lafayette in a non-conference match, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon at So Sweet A Cat field. The loss dropped the Hawks to 3-6 overall record, while the Lafayette Leopards improve to a 7-1 mark.

Junior midfielder Morganne Firmstone (Honesdale, Pa./Honesdale) scored on a penalty stroke with less than five minutes to play in the first half for the Blue and White's lone goal on the day. Sophomore forward Ashley McPeek (Hazlet, N.J./St. John Vianney) drew the penalty on a diving hustle play that would award Firmstone the penalty stroke. Firmstone, a 2007 All-NEC honoree, tallied her first goal of the season on the stroke.

The Leopards struck first, scoring five minutes into the contest, with a shot from Amanda Saber from the right side off of a corner. Lafayette propelled to a 2-0 lead near the 20 minute mark off a one-timer, and scored another goal with less than 2 minutes remaining to take a permanent two goal lead.

The Blue and White was led by Firmstone with four shots, including the penalty stroke. Redshirt senior Enza Mazza (Oceanport, N.J./Shore Regional) also registered a shot on goal. Goalie Melissa Katz (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional) collected a save in her ninth start of the season.

Lafayette held both the shots on goal advantage, 11-6, and the penalty corners advantage, 6-3, on the game.

With the defeat, MU falls to 1-9 all time against the Leopards, having lost their last five matchups against Lafayette. Monmouth fell for the first time at home this season, having a previously unblemished 2-0 record.

Monmouth returns to action tomorrow afternoon at home as they face off against Georgetown at 2:00 p.m.