Montclair, NJ | A strong second half gave Montclair State University a 3-0 win over the College of Staten Island in what was the tightest game in the series but a game statistically dominated by the home side.  The loss dropped the Dolphins to 5-6 overall, while the Red Hawks improved to 9-4-2.

Having won the previous three games in the series by a combined score of 14-1, the Red Hawks had plenty of momentum heading into this one, but it was the Dolphins that frustrated the Red Hawks by keeping them off of the scoreboard until the game's second half.  There, MSU was able to pop in a goal and then got the insurance it needed in what amounted to a 3-0 final.

MSU dominated possession in the game's opening frame, but heavy numbers in the back and then the goalkeeping Samantha Beaudreault became the focus as the teams entered 0-0 into halftime.  MSU recorded 13 shots in the opening stanza, but four Beaudreault saves, and a trio of blocked shots by the CSI defense kept the Hawks circling for the critical goal.

The break, however, proved fruitfil for the home side, as a refreshed MSU unit came out charging out of the gate, earning a corner kick and then earning a goal just 58 seconds into the frame when an Emily DeGeyter pass found the boot of Chisom Onyewyenyi, who registered her first of the season past Beaudreault for the go-ahead tally.  A little less than 10 minutes later, with MSU pressing for the insurance goal, CSI made the critical mistake of committing a foul in the box, and Emily Beenders did the honors by knocking in the penalty shot to give MSU a 2-0 edge with 34 minutes left on the clock.

MSU would relent a tad, putting a host of substitutes into the game, but Beaudreault was forced into three saves before a final goal was scored with just 56 seconds left on the clock.  Kaitlyn Scrivanich was the goal-scorer, registering it unassisted.

The Red Hawks led the final shot count, 29-0 (12-0 on goal), and finished with a 9-0 edge in corner kicks.  Beaudreault made nine saves in defeat while MSU keeper Phoebe Bledsoe earned the 90-minute shutout.  Beenders led all offensive players with seven total shots.

CSI will be back in action when they take on Brooklyn College in their final road game of the season on Saturday at 12 Noon.