RADNOR, PA – The Cabrini field hockey team emerged victorious after a hard fought defensive battle tonight at Edith Robb Dixon Field.  

The Cavaliers downed Widener University 2-1, improving to 5-6 overall with the nonconference victory, while Widener fell to 5-5.

The Blue and White jumped to an early lead as junior Jackie Neary found classmate Sara Johnsen for a goal in the second minute of action. Widener wasted little time evening the score, as junior Eliza Newlin converted a loose ball in front of Cabrini's goal.

After two goals in just over four minutes of action. Another fifty minutes of game time would expire before another goal was scored.

That tally came in the 55th minute, when junior Sara DeVita played a long ball into the penalty area, finding senior Taylor Mack, who redirected the pass into the net for the eventual game-winning goal.

While it was the offense that put the goals on the board, tonight's win was heavily influenced by the Cavaliers' defensive effort.  

The defensive trio of senior Kylie McDevitt and juniors Ryan Taylor and Jess Tennett never allowed the Pride to find their rhythm.  The Blue and White held Widener to just four shots on the night, nearly 10 shots below their season average, with only one coming in the second half.  

Junior goaltender Taylor Bookman was only called on to make one save on the night to secure the victory.

The Cavaliers finished the game with a 16-4 advantage in shots, with seven of its attempts on target. Neary led the way with six shots, while Mack added four, one more than junior Maddy Worley.

Senior Mikayla Ninos recorded three saves for Widener, while freshman Codi Spoonhour and sophomore Sarah Quintus added second half defensive saves.

Cabrini will return to Colonial States Athletic Conference action on Saturday, when they host Keystone College (3-6, 1-1 CSAC).  Game time is scheduled for 12 noon at Edith Robb Dixon Field.