Field Hockey
#4 Lebanon Valley 5, #20 Franklin & Marshall 1

Box Score

PALMYRA, Pa. - Jocelyn Novak became Lebanon Valley's all-time points leader as she led the fourth-ranked Dutchmen past #20 Franklin & Marshall, 5-1, Wednesday under the dome at In the Net.

LVC improved to 10-0 with some quick transition scoring, but it was a tough defense that carried the Dutchmen against an F&M surge in the second half.

Novak had a hat trick (the 13th of her career) and an assist to get to 181 career points, passing Steph Marguglio '07's 180. Now with 85 goals and 11 assists for her career, the junior is three goals away from tying Barb Hall Streeter '72's goals record of 88, which has stood since 1971.

Caitlin Vasey also had a big game, scoring a goal as she increased her NCAA-leading assists total to 16 with two helpers. Allison Bicher helped with a goal and two assists, as well.

LVC leapt out to a quick 2-0 lead as Novak scored twice in a 7:23 span, first off a two-man break with Vasey and again as Bicher crossed in from the right.

Bicher made it 3-0 at 42:22 when she slammed home a cross by Vasey, but F&M countered with some intense pressure, and finally broke through on Becky Willert's goal at 54:00.

With the Diplomats (6-4) still coming on and the lead not feeling safe, Vasey put some space in the scoreline with a breakaway goal at 62:30, and Novak lifted a goal from close range off Bicher's cross at 65:23.

LVC's defense was huge during the second half; Christine Poletti made five saves overall, and Lauren Seidenstricker added two big defensive saves in the second half. Rachel Pantalone made a D-save in the first half, as well.

Sarah Dileo made 11 saves to keep F&M in the game as LVC held advantages on shots (23-10) and corners (7-4).

LVC will travel to Gettysburg on Friday to continue their lightning-delayed game.