LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A return to Owsley B. Frazier Stadium proved to be the perfect remedy for the Bellarmine University field hockey team.

Sophomore forward April Paulson scored her first two goals of the season as the Knights snapped a six-game skid with a 3-0 victory Saturday over Belmont Abbey.

"It was good to be back home at OFB Stadium, and we're very happy to end the losing streak," Bellarmine Coach Mark Blankenbaker said. "Teamwork at the beginning of the game set the tone and for the most part we played well today."

Junior midfielder Merit Harris added a goal and junior forward Lindsay Reynolds tallied two assists for Bellarmine (6-7), which delivered its highest scoring output since a 5-4 overtime loss at Queens Charlotte on Sept. 29.

Against Belmont Abbey (3-7), freshman goalkeeper Breanna McWhorter registered her first collegiate win and shutout in the cage as the defense blanked its second opponent. McWhorter collected six saves and the defense limited the Crusaders to only three shots in the second half and eight total.

"The defense has been solid most of the season," Blankenbaker said. "It was good to get Bre a shutout, and the backs really did a good job of clearing the ball from the circle and getting the ball moving toward our end. Sara (Wilder) and Mariana (Flores Gutierrez) made key stops when we needed them, and Lorna (Screen) stepped up big at the end of the game."

Bellarmine had scored just once over its previous four matches, but the offense broke out of its funk against the Crusaders. The Knights scored their first goal early in the contest as Paulson received a pass from Reynolds in the right side of the circle and slotted her shot inside the far post for a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute.

The score remained the same at the intermission, but Bellarmine tacked on two more goals in the second half. In the 47th minute, Reynolds tapped ahead to Harris near the top of the circle, and Harris rifled in her fourth goal of the season.

Paulson posted her second goal of the match in the 66th minute. She rebounded her own shot on a Belmont Abbey save and stuffed it into the cage for a 3-0 advantage.

"We still need improvement in the offensive circle, but we showed progress today," Blankenbaker said. "Our forward line played well. April had a really good game with two goals. She's been playing well the last few weeks, and we're happy to see her getting on the board."

Bellarmine finished the match with an 11-8 advantage in shots and 6-5 edge in penalty corners.

The Knights host Lindenwood on Friday and Queens Charlotte on Saturday, the latter of which marks the team's Senior Day.

"Our midfield line really stepped up today," Blankenbaker said. "Led by Caroline (Krill), Alex (Hill) and Merit, we controlled the middle of the field. Of course, Lindsay contributed two assist to spark the offense. We will get back to work on Monday to prepare for next week."

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