Just when they needed to, the Eastern Mennonite field hockey women earned an ODAC win, topping Virginia Wesleyan 2-1 as part of EMU Homecoming on Saturday.

The Lady Royals played a great first half, out-shooting their visitors 13-2.  Senior Adriana Santiago (Souderton, PA/Christopher Dock) hit the cage first, getting a nice cross from Carol Brinkley (Chester, VA/Thomas Dale) for her seventh goal of the season in the 13th minute.

Jessica Blanks (Richmond, VA/Manchester) notched her seventh of the year 15 minutes later, picking up a deflected cross to make it 2-0.

The Marlins held off a strong start from EMU in the second, at one point denying four straight corners.  Finally in the 45th minute, VWC got a score coming off one of their own corners, cutting the lead to 2-1.

EMU's defense held the rest of the way, including over the final 3:33 when the Marlins pulled their goalie for a field player, to even their ODAC record at 3-3.

The Lady Royals are now tied with Roanoke for fourth in the ODAC standings.  Only the top six make the postseason tournament.

EMU had a 16-10 edge in shots, including 7-4 in shots on goal.  The women also had a 13-6 edge in penalty corners.  Sam Ferrier (Sellersville, PA/Christopher Dock) made three saves to earn the win.

Next up is an important home contest against Bridgewater which is currently in third at 3-2.  Game time on Tuesday is 7:00pm.