Easton, PA - Despite a seven-save effort from junior goalkeeper Merlijn van der Vegt, the Hofstra field hockey team opened the 2021 season with a 2-0 defeat to Lafayette from Rappolt Field in Easton, Pennsylvania Friday evening.

The Leopards got on the board late in the first period from Felicitas Hannes with Simone Hefting on the assist. Audrey Sawyers snuck one past van der Vegt early in the third period to give the hosts a two-goal lead.

The Hofstra offense was limited to two shots in tonight's game. Freshman Eline Oldeman had the lone shot on goal for the Pride, while fellow freshman Simryn Desai also had a shot against the Leopards.

Hofstra heads back to Hempstead for the 2021 home opener on Sunday, August 29, against Wagner. The opening whistle from the Hofstra Field Hockey Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m.

NOTES:
-Hofstra falls to 4-9 all-time versus Lafayette following tonight's result.
-All seven of van der Vegt's saves came in the first half.
-While Hofstra was outshot, 12-2, the Pride earned two penalty corners.
-Six freshmen saw the field tonight for Hofstra, with five first-year student-athletes starting. Lara Borensztein, Simryn Desai, Johannah Lee, Lieke Gorsse, Eline Oldeman, and Tara McNally all made their college debuts.