INDIANA, Pa.—The host Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks shut out Bellarmine University 2-0 in an NCAA Division II non-conference field hockey game played today at Miller Stadium.

The Crimson Hawks found the cage with a goal in each half for the 2-0 victory. Meanwhile, Bellarmine did not get a shot on frame until the game's last minute, but IUP goalie Alyssa Lerda came up with the save to preserve her shutout.

For the second game in a row, Bellarmine could not capitalize on penalty corners. Despite having a 7-3 advantage in corners, the Knights could not generate shots from those opportunities.

Bellarmine Coach Mark Blankebaker remained optimistic about his team. "We played really well in the first half and had a decent second half," he said. "We still need to generate goals. Our defense was better today as was our offense. We just had so many balls wide of the cage or the deflection wasn't on target."

The Crimson Hawks improve to 3-2 on the season while Bellarmine slips to 3-3.

The Knights open ECAC play this weekend with games against Newberry on Friday and Mercy on Saturday. Both games are scheduled for noon start times.

"We are ready to start conference play this week," Blankenbaker said. "This is a hard-working team, and we will get better this week and work toward our goal of winning the ECAC."

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