Harrisonburg, Va.---  The Sweet Briar field hockey team moved past a bumpy start to play some of their best hockey of the season on Saturday afternoon.  The Vixens carried play for long stretches in the second half, but they ultimately fell to the Royals 6-0.

Sophomore defender Eve Mergenthaler (Litchfield, Conn./Litchfield) was outstanding all match for SBC.  Megenthaler, a 2012 All-ODAC performer, notched three defensive saves for the Vixens.  Mergenthaler twice went to the turf along the goal line to block and clear sure goals, and in the second half made a highlight reel aerial save.

Seniors Loralei Whittaker (Chesapeake, Va./Western Branch) and Megan Thompson (Newport News, Va./Warwick) were also standouts for SBC on a rainy afternoon at EMU.  Whittaker was very active inside of her 25 yard line, breaking up several plays and beginning the transition for the Vixens.  Thompson was able to create from her right side postition numerous opportunities for the Sweet Briar attack.

"We were able to force the ball to the sidelines and we came up with ball when we got our double team in place," shared Head Coach Jess Gray.  The team made some good adjustments and they played well."

SBC hits the road again on Wednesday, traveling to Lynchburg College for a 7 p.m. match.

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