EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette field hockey team opened the 2021 fall season with a 2-0 shutout over Hofstra on Friday night at Rappolt Field.
 
Felicitas Hannes, a junior forward, got the Leopards on the board near the end of the first quarter with an assist from Simone Hefting. The goal at 13:02 was enough offense for the Leopards who held Hofstra to two shots over 60 minutes.
 
Senior midfielder Audrey Sawers added an extra tally in the third period (34:47) to give the team some breathing room in the 2-0 final.
 
Lafayette held a decisive advantage on offense, outshooting Hofstra 12-2. Ten of Lafayette's shots landed on goal, but were saved by Hofstra goalkeeper Merlijn van der Vegt. Her Lafayette counterpart, Hailey Abbott was seldom tested, but still recorded one save in her first shutout of the season.
 
"I thought tonight's play from the entire group was fantastic. The Hofstra defense was tough to get through, but our team worked together as a cohesive unit. The back pressure came from all lines, with both the strikers and midfield setting the tone for scoring opportunities," said Lafayette field hockey coach Jennifer Stone. "Our veterans displayed a standard that helped guide the play of our younger players tonight."
 
The Leopards host Villanova on Sunday at 3 p.m. The Wildcats are coming off a 4-3 victory over Lehigh.