MONTCLAIR, N.J. (September 24, 2018) – The FDU-Florham field hockey team was edged 1-0 by in-state rival No. 9 Montclair State Monday evening.

The Devils drop to 8-2 on the season, as Montclair improves to 9-1.

Neither side was able to generate much offense at the beginning of the first half. Both teams attempted just one shot that wasn't on target through the opening 18 minutes. MSU picked up the pressure, and broke through in the 22^nd minute. Amber Haslett batted in a Kailey Dalgauer pass off a corner to give the hosts the 1-0 lead.

The Devils best chance came in the 30^th minute, as sophomores Riley Mullan and Marissa Colvin each had shots from in close. Both shots were saved by the Red Hawks goalkeeper Nicole Andriani. Senior Brooke Sherwin had another opportunity to level the game at one, but her blast from the top of the circle was blocked by the Red Hawk defense.

The shots were six all through the first half, with MSU holding a slim 4-2 lead in penalty corners.

The host Red Hawks had back-to-back penalty corners to open the second half, but were unable to get a shot past senior Samantha Rubin. Senior defender Makayla Pak and junior Marie Pietracatella were active in the defensive end, blocking pass and shot attempts.

Rubin kept the Devils in the game, making a pair of saves in the 46^th minute to keep the score 1-0. With the Devils reduced to 10 players thanks a red card, FDU put forth every effort they had looking for the equalizing tally.

With 7:49 remaining, Pak had a shot off of a short corner stopped by Andriani. FDU one final attempt for the tie, but Pak's shot with 2:22 remaining was kicked away by Andriani.

Pak and Sherwin combined for five shots, as Rubin was credited with three saves in the setback.

FDU returns home Wednesday, hosting Keystone at 7 p.m.