Annville, Pa. -- University of Lynchburg's field hockey team got the 2018 season off on the right foot with a 5-0 victory at Lebanon Valley Saturday afternoon.

Lynchburg's defense pitched a shutout, boosted by nine saves from sophomore goalkeeper Laurel Nicks (Yorktown, Va.).

The offense did its part, too, led by a pair of goals from senior forward Isabella Eldridge (Mount Pleasant, S.C.). Sophomore midfielder Emily Dudley (Westminster, Md.) tallied a goal and an assist.

THE RUNDOWN

Final: Lynchburg 5, Lebanon Valley 0

Records: Lynchburg 1-0, Lebanon Valley 0-1

Venue: Harold and Gladys Arnold Field, Lebanon Valley College, Annville, Pa.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Eldridge got the scoring started in the sixth minute, assisted by senior midfielder Nikki Simpao (Stafford, Va.). Lynchburg didn't wait long to add to the lead as Dudley found sophomore midfielder Emma Strouse (Dillsburg, Pa.) shortly after a penalty corner in the eighth minute.

• After halftime, Dudley caged her goal on a feed from senior forward Kayla Copeman (Williamsburg, Va.) in the 39th minute.

• Lynchburg added late scores from Eldridge, who was assisted by freshman defender Kaylie Truitt (Lewes, Del.) in the 51st minute, and sophomore forward Jackie Lerro (Royersford, Pa.), who scored, unassisted, in the 56th.

LOOKING AHEAD

Lynchburg will return home Monday, Sept. 3 to play host to Frostburg State on Shellenberger Field. The whistle blows at 4 p.m.

--LYN--