HOBOKEN, NJ – Senior Valerie Barnhart (Gilbertsville, PA) scored twice and freshmen Jessica Megill (Clark, NJ) and Alli Shields (Mahopac, NY) each added a goal to power the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team to a 4-0 victory over Ramapo College Wednesday evening at DeBaun Field in Hoboken, NJ. The Ducks improve to 3-0 with the victory, handing Ramapo (2-1) its first loss of the season.

Stevens took the early lead on Megill’s goal in the fourth minute of the contest. Shields found Megill open near the goal, and the forward punched in the score from close range and Stevens never looked back. The Ducks built a 2-0 advantage after Barnhart broke through the defense in the 15th minute, racing down the field and beating Ramapo goalie Katelyn Ferguson for the breakaway goal.

A scramble in front of the Roadrunners’ cage led to Stevens’ third goal of the contest. Shields collected the loose ball and, amidst a flurry of defenders she landed a shot in the goal to put the Ducks up, 3-0.

Stevens capitalized on a penalty corner opportunity in the 49th minute to build a 4-0 advantage over the Roadrunners. Freshman Hillary Paul (Concord, NH) put the ball in play then received it right back near the end line and found Barnhart in front of the cage. Barnhart put home the shot from five yards out for her fourth goal of the season.

The Ducks’ defense was dominant in the first half, surrendering just one shot in the opening period. Stevens outshot Ramapo, 26-11, in the contest. The Ducks also held a 14-7 advantage in penalty corners.

Freshman goalie Stephanie Smith (Hockessin, DE) made four saves in posting her second shutout in three games. Ferguson had 12 stops for Ramapo.    

Stevens avenged a 5-0 loss at Ramapo last season.

The Ducks will return to action on Friday against Notre Dame (MD) at DeBaun Field. Game-time is set for 7 p.m.