HARRISONBURG, VA -- The No. 17 ranked University of Delaware field hockey team fell to No. 8 James Madison, 1-0, during the team’s Colonial Athletic Association opener in Harrisonburg on Friday night.

The Delaware defense held strong through much of the first half before allowing the only goal of the game. After Hens’ goalie Nikki Rhoades (at right) knocked away a shot by Melissa Stefaniak, Randi Segear corralled the rebound and snuck it into the net with under three minutes left before halftime.

The Hens allowed just eight shots during the contest, including three in the second half. Rhoades posted three saves for Delaware (7-2, 0-1 CAA).

On the season, Rhoades has not allowed more than two goals in any of the team’s nine games. She has allowed one or fewer in six contests.

On the night, the Hens' offense could muster only a single shot. At 10:15 in the first half, Casey Howard fired the ball just wide of the net.

During the contest, James Madison (6-2, 1-0 CAA) held a 3-0 advantage in penalty corners and a 4-0 lead in shots on goal.

After opening the season with seven straight wins, the Hens have now lost consecutive games after falling to Saint Joseph’s on Sunday.

The Blue Hens return to action on Sunday when they travel to face Virginia Commonwealth at 1 p.m.

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