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Field Hockey

Lynchburg Rides Three First-Half Goals to NCAA First Round Win

Mzizi Contributes to All Three Goals, Sets Up Date with Top-Ranked CNU

GLASSBORO, N.J. --- University of Lynchburg defensive stalwart Khanyisile Mzizi turned into an offensive juggernaut at just the right time for nationally 17th-ranked Hornets on Wednesday afternoon as the three-time All-ODAC First Team selection contributed to all three of Lynchburg's goals in its 3-2 triumph at No. 13 Rowan University in the first round of the Division III Field Hockey Championship.

The win for Lynchburg (17-4) avenges an early October 4-3 overtime loss at the Profs' (16-5) Coach Richard Walker Stadium in Glassboro, N.J. The Hornets return to Virginia for their next game -- possible two -- as they advance as part of a four-team pod for rounds two and three at Christopher Newport University on the weekend. Lynchburg squares off with the nationally top-ranked and unbeaten (17-0) Captains at 11:00 a.m. ET on Saturday. The winner will advance to face either No. 11 Dickinson College (19-3) or No. 5 Salisbury University (18-2) on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET for a spot in the semifinals.

After a scoreless first quarter in Glassboro, the Mzizi show kicked off just 1:43 into the second frame. On a penalty corner play, it was injector Allie Freeman that notched the goal with an assist from Mzizi.

Then it was Mzizi's turn to find the cage twice. In yet another penalty corner situation, Mzizi scored an unassisted goal with 5:46 to play in the second quarter. She made it 3-0 Hornets just 50 seconds before the break, again making good on a penalty corner situation.

The Hornets would need all three goals. Rowan tightened up their defense, allowing just four shots compared to the seven they surrendered in the first half. The Profs also turned up the offensive pressure with five penalty corners compared to just one for the Hornets with nine shots including seven on-cage.

RU saw Sydney Kowalczyk score both goals, the first four minutes into the third quarter and her second with 10:22 to go in the contest. Lynchburg keeper Shay Schoones was equal to the other five shots on target in the second half, turning in five of her nine saves to help see-out the victory.

Lynchburg is appearing for the 22nd time on the national stage. Wednesday's win marks the Hornets 15th in the Division III postseason, increasing their ODAC-record total. The program's record stands at 15-21 (.417) entering the weekend at CNU.