Needing to end a three-game losing skid, the Eastern Mennonite field hockey team hosted Bridgewater Wednesday night. The Lady Royals controlled play throughout the game, but didn't take control on the scoreboard until three second-half goals produced the final 4-0 win.

Despite having no healthy subs on the bench, the first half belonged to EMU, as the women didn't allow Bridgewater to take a single shot in 35 minutes. It wasn't until the final two minutes of the half that the Lady Royals took the lead, however, as freshman Nicole Bencsik (Telford, Pa./Souderton) knocked in a score at 33:11.

It looked like the second half would be another one of lots of shots without many goals until the floodgates opened in the 57th minute. Linda Cimini (Cape May, NJ/Middle Township) broke through for her seventh goal of the season to make it 2-0.

Seven minutes later, Bencsik assisted Jessica Blanks (Midlothian, Va./Manchester) on a score. After just two more minutes, Bencsik put in her second of the game to produce the final 4-0 margin.

The Lady Royals outshot the Eagles 28-4 in the win, including 10-1 in shots on goal. The women also had a 10-1 edge in corners. Bencsik finished with five points as she had two goals and one assist.

Not only did the victory end the losing skid, but it also gave EMU an important head-to-head edge in the conference, as both teams left the game with a 2-1 ODAC record.

The Lady Royals, now 6-5 overall, remain at home for their next contest when they host Virginia Wesleyan on Friday, Oct. 8. As part of Homecoming Weekend, the night is also Senior/Parent Recognition. Game time is 7:00pm.