Lynchburg, Va. -- University of Lynchburg's field hockey team used stellar defense to remain unbeaten in Old Dominion Athletic Conference play Saturday afternoon with a 4-0 Homecoming victory over Bridgewater.

Sophomore goalkeeper Laurel Nicks (Yorktown, Va.) made three saves, and the Hornet defense played well enough for the team's third-straight shutout and sixth of the season.

Four different Hornets scored in the game, led by a one-goal, one-assist effort from senior forward Nikki Simpao (Stafford, Va.).

THE RUNDOWN

Final: Lynchburg 4, Bridgewater 0

Records: Lynchburg (11-5, 6-0 ODAC), Bridgewater (8-7, 4-3 ODAC)

Venue: Shellenberger Field, University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Lynchburg controlled the early going but couldn't get on the board until just before halftime. Sophomore midfielder Alex Rebman (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) played a ball across the middle of the arc that sophomore forward Maggie Chiappazzi (Poquoson, Va.) hammered home.

• The Hornets scored quickly out of halftime for a two-goal advantage thanks to Simpao's unassisted goal in the 39th minute.

• Lynchburg put the game out of reach with late goals by sophomore forward Jackie Lerro (Royersford, Pa.), assisted by Simpao, and senior midfielder Kayla Copeman (Williamsburg, Va.).

LOOKING AHEAD

The Hornets will hit the road for their final away contest of the regular season Wednesday with a trip to Virginia Wesleyan. Lynchburg can clinch home field advantage in the ODAC tournament with a win over the Marlins.

--LYN--