Boxscore

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Behind two first-half goals, the University of Delaware field hockey team picked up its first win of the season after downing Temple, 2-1, at Geasey Field on Friday afternoon.

Florence Sijbrandij and Alexis Esbitt (at right) both scored to lead the Blue Hens (1-5) past the Owls (3-5) in the non-conference showdown. Nikki Rhoades anchored a strong defensive performance as well, posting five saves to shut down the Temple attack.

The victory was the first for Delaware against Temple since a 5-0 drubbing at Rullo Stadium in 2004.

Sijbrandij opened the scoring quickly after Delaware earned a penalty corner early in the first half. After passes from Rachel Schexnayder and Tori Karsten, the team’s sophomore co-captain rocketed a shot past Temple’s Erin Hanshue to put the Hens on the board.

Following the early score, the two defenses took over, shutting down every attack before Delaware struck again in the waning moments of the first half. With less than three minutes left until halftime, Esbitt handled a rebound and drilled home her second goal of the season to give the Hens a two-goal advantage.

After halftime, the staunch Delaware defense continued to handle every Temple attack. Rhoades batted away four shots on goal before the Owls were finally able to sneak the ball by her. With just over one minute remaining in regulation, Liz Watto found the back of the cage for her first goal on the season.

During the contest, the Hens held an 11-6 advantage in shots. They also had a 6-5 lead in penalty corners, despite being held without one in the second half.

Delaware hopes to build on the victory during its upcoming three-game home stand. The Hens host Saint Joseph’s at 1 p.m. on Sunday before opening up conference action with home bouts against James Madison and Virginia Commonwealth next week.