LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Independent Postseason Tournament afforded the Bellarmine University field hockey team one final shot at Lindenwood.

And on a frigid Friday evening at Owsley B. Frazier Stadium, the Knights seized that opportunity after scoring one goal apiece in the third and fourth quarters and turning back the Lions' comeback bid in a 2-1 victory.

Junior forward Mandi Isom and senior midfielder Merit Harris scored for Bellarmine (9-8), which played Lindenwood (10-7) for the second time this week and the third time since Oct. 20. The Lions were victorious in the previous two matches, 4-3 in a shootout and then 3-1 last Saturday.

Bellarmine refused to allow Lindenwood a three-game sweep. After a scoreless first half, Isom got the Knights on the board in the third quarter by scoring her fifth goal of the season in the 39th minute.

Bellarmine bumped the lead to 2-0 early in the fourth quarter. Harris found the net for the 14th time this season in the 47th minute. 

Lindenwood made it interesting. Bridget Hoogendijk scored her 16th goal of the season in the 53rd minute, putting away a deflection to cut Bellarmine's lead in half. However, the Knights prevented the Lions from scoring the equalizer. Harris' goal was her fifth game-winner.

Lindenwood finished with an 11-10 advantage in shots but that was largely due to a 6-1 edge in the fourth quarter. Both teams had seven shots on goal.

Senior goalkeeper Heather Gregory collected five saves for Bellarmine.

The Knights will host Frostburg State at 11 a.m. Sunday in their final match in the Independent Postseason Tournament, which also marks their season finale.

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