HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (September 11, 2018) - Despite falling behind early, the FDU-Florham women's soccer team topped Centenary 5-3 in non-conference action Tuesday.

The Devils improve to 4-0-1, while the Cyclones dropped to 0-4-0.

FDU recorded the first shot of the game, but it was the Cyclones who drew first blood in the 4th minute. Off a cross in front, Stephanie Williams deflected a shot off the keeper to put Centenary up 1-0. It was the first time this season that Devils had trailed.

The Devils continued to pressure the Cyclones, but were stymied by keeper Rachel Colt. Centenary doubled their lead in the 20th minute, this time with Amanda Benoit finding the back of the net. FDU cut the lead in half nearly three minutes later, as sophomore Madeline Finnegan found classmate Amanda Croce for a goal.

FDU leveled the game at two in the 26th minute, as sophomore Erica Martins fed junior Erika Pita, who deposited the equalizer. The Devils grabbed their first lead of the afternoon in the 38th minute, as a ball played in by Pita created a scrum in front. Sophomore Brianna Cucinelli found the ball and converted off the scramble for her first collegiate goal.

Grabbing the momentum, FDU added to their lead with just 2:11 left before the half. Sophomore Nathalia Gallo sent in a free kick that Pita chipped home, the second tally of the game for Pita.

FDU held a big 12-4 edge in shots, and out-cornered the Cyclones in the opening 45 minutes.

Just 2:15 into the second stanza, the Cyclones got back within one, as Kristen Karszen got a goal for the hosts. Centenary made a goalkeeper change in the 69th minute, and a minute later the Devils grabbed the key insurance goal. Gallo found Finnegan, who chipped the keeper far post for her second tally in as many games.

The Devils defense clamped down, not allowing another shot after the 48th minute. Junior Lindsey Scarmozzino had a chance in the 79th minute, but her shot rang off the post. With time winding down, Pita had an attempt snuffed out by the Centenary goalie.

FDU finished with 22 shots, led by four from Pita. Martins Finnegan and Croce each notched three, while sophomore Ashley Paulino registered a pair of saves.

FDU returns home Saturday, hosting Marywood at 3 p.m. at Robert T. Shields Field.