LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After afternoon turned into late evening following a series of weather delays, the Bellarmine University field hockey team secured a 1-0 victory over Mercy on Friday at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium.

Senior forward Mollie Reese recorded the game-winning goal for Bellarmine (5-1). In the 51st minute, she tenaciously scrapped for the rebound after a save and punched it in against the Mavericks (1-5). It was Reese's first goal of the season.

"I asked Mollie this afternoon if she was going to score today and she said, 'That is the plan,' " Bellarmine Coach Mark Blankenbaker mentioned. "Her goal was a battle in front of the cage with the goalie and Mollie won. I was really happy for her. She's overcome so many injuries — it's good to see something positive for her."

Junior goalkeeper Heather Gregory and the Knights' defense notched the team's first shutout of the season. Gregory collected three saves, and Bellarmine finished with a 10-6 advantage in shots, including 6-3 on goal.

"Our defense stepped up again today," Blankenbaker said. "Getting Mariana (Flores Gutierrez) back really helped — her speed and decision-making are key for us. Storm (Thompson) played 70 quality minutes. Sara (Wilder) and Caroline (Krill) are our leaders and make great decisions. I thought Alex Hill had a great game — she really dug in and controlled the middle."

The start of the match was delayed due to lightning sightings and there were multiple stoppages thereafter due to weather. As a result, the Knights will have an even quicker turnaround against Newberry, the team's opponent at noon (ET) Saturday at Frazier Stadium.

"It was a good win tonight against a very motivated Mercy team," Blankenbaker said. "Our passing game was our strong point, and we did a better job of cutting into the proper lanes. We had so many opportunities to finish in the circle and just didn't get it done. Some of that was the superb play of Mercy's goalie. I was really impressed with her.

"There's no time to relax. We have a tough game tomorrow with Newberry and will need to recover quickly."

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