WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Playing through heavy rains and high wind gusts, the Monmouth University field hockey team scored five first-half goals to top Rider, 5-0, in the final game of the regular season.  With the victory, coupled with Fairfield's loss earlier today to Sacred Heart, the Hawks earn their fourth-straight MAAC Regular Season Title and will host next weekend's field hockey championships on So Sweet A Cat Field.

Four of the Hawks' first five goals came via a set corner play with senior Julie Laszlo getting things started in the sixth minute.  Kelly Hanna, who had a hand in all five goals, deflected in a shot 10 minutes later before Tamar Klinkhamer made it 3-0 in the 24th minute.  Laszlo connected on her second of the afternoon in the 25 minute, 1:08 before Gab Girardi sent a hard cross that was redirected by Hanna for her second of the day. 

Senior goalkeeper Christen Piersanti, who earned her 50th career win on the afternoon, was not forced to make a save in her 18th career clean sheet.

NOTES & QUOTES
"We are really excited to be hosting once again on 'The Cat' after playing some of our most dynamic field hockey of the season.  Even throughout the difficult playing conditions, it was really special the way we ended the year and were able to honor our six seniors who have meant so much to this program." – Head Coach Carli Figlio

- The Hawks earn the program's fifth regular season title.
- Monmouth will host the MAAC Championships for the fourth-straight year on So Sweet A Cat Field.
- The Blue and White finished the regular season unbeaten at home (8-0) for the second year in a row and have won 20-straight regular season games on their home turf dating back to the 2015 season.
- Monmouth (14-3, 5-1 MAAC) has won the last six games, outscoring opponents, 34-5.  It is their second six-game winning streak of the season.
- The Hawks have won the last five meetings with the Rider. 

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Hanna finished the day with seven points with two goals and three assists.  The junior registered her fourth multi-goal game while tying the program-best for assists in a game.
- Laszlo scored her seventh and eighth goal of the year to increase her point streak to 14 games.  The senior has accumulated 36 points over the 14-game span.  It is the second multi-goal game of the year for the defender.
- Rachel Konowal added a pair of assists in the win.
- Prior to the game, the Hawks honored their six seniors Sydney Southard, Mallory Kusakavitch, Julie Laszlo, Meg Donahue, Christen Piersanti and Rachel Konowal.
- MU outshot Rider, 14-2, including 10-1 in the opening half.
- The Blue and White earned nine attacking corners, while Rider attempted just three.
- Laszlo and Hanna both finished with a team-best four shot attempts.

NEXT UP
Top-seeded Monmouth will take on fourth-seeded Rider in the MAAC Championships semifinals on the Friday, November 3rd, with the winner meeting the victor of second-seeded LIU Brooklyn against third-seeded Fairfield in the finals on Sunday, November 5th.  Please check back with MonmouthHawks.com for full tournament details.