WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – Two goals from senior Georgia Garden Bachop, including the game-winner with 2:13 left in regulation, and an untimed defensive stand lead the Monmouth University field hockey team to a 2-1 victory at Rider, Friday night in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

In the 68th minute, Garden Bachop collected the ball near midfield and beat two Rider defenders and avoided a sliding goalkeeper to deposit the winner.  The Broncs earned a penalty corner opportunity with time expired.  Rider worked the ball back to the left side where a shot was pushed away by Hawks' goalkeeper Kate O'Hogan to secure the victory.

Rider jumped in front in the 16th minute on Kat Conroy's strike, but the Blue and White responded less than two minutes later as freshman Annick van Lange induced an attacking corner.  Kelly Hanna inserted to Garden Bachop who sent a low, hard shot that hit off a defender's foot and above the Rider keeper.

O'Hogan made three saves in her first career start in cage to earn her second victory of the season.
                                                            
NOTES & QUOTES
"The determination that the team came into the game with was impressive.  This was a complete team effort and I am really proud of the composure of a really young team in a very big game." – Head Coach Carli Figlio

- It is the first time the Hawks have opened league play with Rider since the 2014 championship season.
- The Hawks have won the last seven meetings with the Rider. 
- MU has outscored Rider 25-9 over the seven-game winning streak.
- It is the second time the Hawks earned a victory on Ben Cohen Field.
- The Hawks are now 13-8 all-time in conference openers, including 9-3 under Figlio.
- It is MU's first road win of the year.
- It's Georgia Garden Bachop's third multi-goal game this season.  The senior has six goals in the last four games.
- With her second goal, Garden Bachop became the 12th Hawk and second this season (Josephine van der Hoop) to join the 50-point club.  
- Garden Bachop has three game-winners this season, five for her career.
- Kelly Hanna moved into the top-10 all-time with her 14th career assist.

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Monmouth outshot Rider, 15-5, including 9-2 in the second half.
- The Hawks earned seven attacking corners, compared to three for the Broncs.
- Garden Bachop led the way with eight shots, half reaching cage, while Annick van Lange attempted two.  Five other Hawks had an attempt.

NEXT UP
The Hawks will continue MAAC play next weekend when they host a pair of games on So Sweet A Cat Field.  On Friday, October 5th, the Hawks will host LIU Brooklyn, live on ESPN3 beginning at 4 p.m., before a 1 p.m. tilt with Bryant on Sunday, October 7th.

-@MonmouthFH-