Field Hockey Opens National Championship Play with Win Over Waterloo

D'Youville Takes First Round Matchup, Improves to 16-4 Overall

Saints Advance to Semifinals, Will Face No. 1 Ranked LIU Post Friday

BUFFALO, NY - D'Youville women's field hockey opened their NCAA Division II National Championship play with a 3-0 win over the Waterloo Warriors Wednesday afternoon on the campus of Bentley University in Massachusetts.

The Saints, who improved to 16-4 overall, will face the top-ranked LIU Post Pioneers Friday at 2 p.m. in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament.

D'Youville got on the board early in the second quarter when Danica Dekoning scored less than two minutes into the period on an assist from Abigail Kane.

The Saints increased their lead to 2-0 late in the third quarter when Elizabeth Gosek scored off a rebound off a shot from Kalie Banker.

D'Youville added an insurance goal midway through the fourth quarter when Kane scored again, this time on an assist from Mya Herman.

Anna Winkelman made five saves in goal for the shutout, her ninth of the season.

The Saints outshot Waterloo 16-10 and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners.

LIU Post, the defending national champions, advanced to the semifinals with a 4-0 win over Bentley in Wednesday's other quarterfinal matchup.

The Pioneers are 20-0 overall this season and have won their last 19 games.

D'Youville is making its second appearance in the NCAA Tournament and is looking to reach the national championship game for the first time.

The Saints won the East Region Championship to earn their berth in the national tournament.

The national championship game will be played Saturday at 1 p.m. on the campus of Bentley University.