MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — When conference season starts, the stakes are magnified.  Bellarmine field hockey rose to the challenge on Friday afternoon, capturing its first win of the season and starting MAC play 1-0.
 
The Knights took down Central Michigan 3-2 on the road, marking their second consecutive victory over the Chippewas dating back to last year.
 
Bellarmine showed signs last weekend - shutting out James Madison in the second half and scoring three goals in the first half against Indiana.  On Friday, the Knights finally put together 60 minutes of winning field hockey and started their road trip to Michigan on a high note.
 
"It feels good to get our first win and first MAC win today," Knights Head Coach Devanny Boisvert said.  "I am really proud of this group for remaining tough even when it wasn't pretty at all times.  We had a lot of great opportunities and wish we could have executed a little more in our circle.  Our defense needs to be more compressed, especially on their fast breaks.  This win was definitely a team effort, and I'm happy for the girls on earning this 'W'."
 
For the second consecutive game, Bellarmine started fast.  The Knights executed their penalty corner set, and the Julia Doornebos fired in her first goal of the season.  Grace Dukes and Peyton Hobson were credited with their first assists of the year.
 
Both teams were held scoreless for the remainder of the first quarter and several minutes into the second period.  With under five minutes remaining in the first half, Central Michigan evened the score with a Kate Biglin goal.
 
Then, just over four minutes later, with the first half clock winding down, Amber Hofenk Jerembo took a sweeping shot straight in front of goal.  With only two seconds remaining, Hofenk Jerembo's strike found the back of the cage and gave Bellarmine a momentous 2-1 lead heading into the break.
 
Neither team took long to find their rhythm in the second half.  Amelia Lane tied the game 2-2 by scoring off a rebound less than three minutes into the third period.  But, the Knights again showed immediate resilience.  Hofenk Jerembo shifted to her right and took an angled shot at goal that snuck through to give Bellarmine a 3-2 advantage.  Her put the Knights ahead for good and came just 36 seconds after CMU's goal.
 
The Chippewas had a few more chances the remainder of the game with three penalty corners, forcing BU goalkeeper Kailey Workman to make a pair of saves.  The Knights stayed aggressive, however, staying even with CMU in shots in the third and fourth quarters.
 
Overall, Bellarmine out-shot Central Michigan 19-14 (10-5 SOG), and earned an 8-5 edge in penalty corners.
 
Hofenk Jerembo picked up her fourth and fifth goals of the season, retaking the team load for goals and points.  The senior also produced her highest output in shots (6) and SOG (3) this season.  Doornebos turned in six shots and three SOG as well, while Bente Moormann and Anna Crump each had a pair of shots.
 
Danni Swallow started the game in goal for the Knights, while Kailey Workman played the second half. 
 
The Knights continue their road swing on Sunday at Michigan State.  The action starts at 1:00 p.m. and can be viewed on BTN+.

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