The Eastern Mennonite University field hockey women got another huge defensive effort in Saturday's 3-0 loss at the University of Lynchburg.

Lynchburg (12-3/5-0 ODAC) is ranked No. 19 in the NFHCA national poll.

The Royals (5-9/1-3 ODAC) got another double digit save effort from goalie Ann Ghally (Aldie, Va./John Champe), aided by seven defensive saves from the back line.

Despite a 22-0 shot deficit over the first three quarters, EMU went into the final 15 minutes trailing only 1-0. The Hornets finally got some insurance with goals in the 51st and 53rd minutes.

Ghally racked up 19 saves, a new career high for the freshman and her fourth time with 12 or more saves over the past five games. Rachel Breslin (Lititz, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) and Brandy Troutman (Mountville, Pa./Hempfield) each made three defensive saves, while Clover Cooper (Barboursville, Va./Orange County) added one.

With the three stops, Troutman has now broken the EMU record for defensive saves in a season. She has 12 defensive saves this year, breaking the record of 10 held by Radella Todd (1988) and Mandy Stowers (2013).

EMU now enters a stretch of three key ODAC games against other teams bunched in the middle of the league's standings. That starts Thursday at Virginia Wesleyan against a Marlin team that is also 1-3 in ODAC play. Next Saturday, the Royals host Roanoke (1-4 ODAC), before heading to Bridgewater (2-2 ODAC) the following Wednesday.