HEMPSTEAD, NY, - After falling behind 1-0, the Monmouth University field hockey team scored two unanswered goals to defeat the Hofstra Pride, 2-1, in its 2020-21 season opener. Aylin Aufenacker scored the go-ahead goal on a pass from Annick van Lange to put the Hawks ahead late in the third period.
 
Senior Ireen Frenken scored Monmouth's first goal early in the second half off of a feed from sophomore Bente Steenhorst. This set the offensive tempo for the rest of the game with Monmouth having nine shots on goal to Hofstra's two. 
 
A huge defensive stand late in the fourth quarter by the Hawks after being issued a green card helped them close out the game and secure their first victory of the year in comeback fashion.
 
NOTES & QUOTES
"I felt we showed well in the second half. The girls proved yet again that their tenacity and character can change the trajectory of any game. I am very proud of this team and happy to finally be out there playing." 
– Monmouth head coach Carli Figlio.
 
- Ally Tarantino made her first career start in goal.
- Katie Yoder and Aly Perez each earned their first career starts.
- Sophie Dercksen, Julianna Carletti, Mackenzie McKillop and Imogen Turner made their collegiate debuts.
- Monmouth improved to 7-7 under Figlio in season openers.
- Monmouth has won four straight games against non-conference opponents dating back to last season.
- The Hawks have won five consecutive road games dating back to 2019.
- Monmouth earned its fourth straight win over Hofstra and improved to 4-5 all-time against the Pride.
- The victory was Monmouth's first win when trailing at halftime since it beat Cal in the America East semifinal on Nov. 8, 2019. 

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Kate O'Hogan earned the victory in cage for Monmouth, improving her career record to 22-8.
- Ireen Frenken scored her 11th career goal and first of the season.
- Aylin Aufenacker registered her eighth career score and first of the year. The goal was Aufenacker's second-career game winner.
- Bente Steenhorst and Annick van Lange each added assists in the game. Steenhorst picked up her second career assist and van Lange increased her career assist total to seven and secured her 61st career point, good for 12th in program history.
- Monmouth outshot Hofstra 15-4, including 9-2 in shots on goal.
- Each team earned two penalty corners in the contest. 
- Hofstra totaled seven saves, while Ally Tarantino made one stop in goal for the Hawks. 

NEXT UP
Monmouth takes on LaSalle next Sunday, March 7 at 11 AM in the Hawks' home opener.