NEWARK, DE -- The University of Delaware field hockey team was eliminated from contention for the Colonial Athletic Association playoffs after falling to Hofstra, 2-1, on Sunday afternoon at Rullo Stadium.

With the loss, coupled with Towson's 4-2 victory over Drexel this afternoon, Delaware (10-9, 3-5 CAA) will miss the playoffs for just the second time since the team joined the CAA in 2002.

During the contest, Casey Howard scored her 13th goal of the season. She finished the year as the conference's leading scorer, posting one more goal than Towson's Christina Boarman.

Howard scored her goal with just three minutes remaining in regulation after Rachel Schexnayder (at right) found her in front of the cage.

Down a goal, the Hens could not unleash a shot in the waning moments of the game as the Pride defense held tough, thwarting the Delaware attack.

Stellar defense also highlighted the first half as the teams battled to a 0-0 draw at the intermission.

Following halftime, Hofstra’s Erica Suitch took a pass from Brit Blankmeyer and scored her first goal of the season in the 43rd minute. Less than five minutes later, Blankmeyer scored her seventh goal of the season to put the Pride up by two.

During the match, Delaware outshot Hofstra, 14-6, and held a 7-5 advantage in penalty corners.

The Pride’s Nadine Surak posted five saves in the net, while Nikki Rhoades added one for the Hens. After entering the game as a sub in the 50th minute, Megan Allen held Hofstra (7-10, 3-5) scoreless for the last 20 minutes of the match.

Allen, Amanda Warrington, and Molly Burke were honored prior to the game for senior day. The game marked the final collegiate contest for the three Hens, who were the last remaining members of the current squad to play on the 2004 CAA Championship team.

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