Box Score MADISON, N.J. (Oct. 18, 2014) – The Drew University field hockey embraced the must-win nature of its remaining 2014 schedule by defeating Goucher College, 3-1, on Saturday afternoon at Ranger Stadium in a Landmark Conference match.
 
Goucher's (7-6, 1-4 Landmark) goal came with just 14 seconds left in the contest after goals by junior midfielders Michelle Fallon, Amber De Marco and Bea Cannavale gave Drew (2-10, 1-3) a commanding 3-0 lead. The Rangers' defense set the tone on Saturday, allowing just one shot in the first half that was easily turned away by junior goalkeeper Sarah Stewart. Drew ended up outshooting the Gophers 20-6.
 
"It's a must-win situation at this point; we know that," said senior defender and co-captain Alex De Sousa. "With Catholic and Juniata clinching playoff spots, we know we're competing for those last two spots. Our goal was to not give up anything today. It was a statement win and our defense played really hard. We had a mentality that nothing would get by us today and we're very proud of that."
 
De Sousa did her part to keep Goucher from getting back into the game. The senior made a diving defensive save in the 55^th minute, her third of the season.
 
The Rangers took a quick lead as Fallon notched her second goal of the season in the seventh minute off a pass from freshman defender Michele Pozyc. Fallon collected the pass just inside the circle and quickly ripped a long shot that found the left corner of the Goucher cage for the 1-0 lead.
 
De Marco converted her second penalty stroke of the season in the 25^th minute after the Gophers committed a foul that disrupted a clear scoring chance inside the circle. Head coach Felicia Cappabianca commended her squad's attitude in taking the crucial 2-0 lead.
 
"I've said it all season that the talent is there," she said. "We're trying to make a run in the conference and we showed today what it takes to do that. These are all must-win situations and they responded well to that. Our players have entered every game this year thinking they can win it, and that's what needs to continue if we want that playoff berth."
 
Cannavale helped put the game seemingly out of reach for Goucher in the 52^nd minute, when her angled shot from five yards out cleared the Gophers' goalie and into the left upper 90s of the box for a dangerous 3-0 advantage.
 
"It's so nice to see everyone score," De Sousa said of her viewpoint as a defender. "From my angle, I can see them go in and it's amazing to see everyone's faces light up. The goals are finally dropping for us."
 
Goucher salvaged a goal in final minute of play to set the final score at 3-1. Drew took eight penalty corners to Goucher's six, with five of the Gophers' chances coming in the second half. Stewart made three saves in the cage en route to the conference victory. Fallon showed early on that she would lead the Rangers' aggressive attack with the quick tally in the first half. She kept it consistent by leading Drew in shots with five and shots on goal with four.
 
Drew continues its must-win final stretch on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m. with a Landmark Conference match against The University of Scranton at Ranger Stadium.