LANCASTER, Pa. – The Ursinus College field hockey team faced off against #6 Franklin & Marshall on Saturday with the winner traditionally grabbing the inside track to first place in the Centennial Conference. The Bears battled, but were ultimately shut out 1-0, falling in Lancaster for just the second time in program history. With the victory, the Diplomats kept pace with Dickinson (3-0 CC) and unbeaten Muhlenberg (2-0) atop the league standings.

This is the first conference loss for Ursinus since being defeated by Franklin & Marshall at home last September. Prior to the game, Ursinus had won 13 straight conference contests on the road, including three in a row at F&M, and owned a 10-game winning streak versus Centennial foes. These two teams have squared off in the conference championship game in each of the last three seasons, with the Bears claiming the title every time.

Earlier this season, the Bears defeated Rowan and William Smith, both ranked opponents. This marked the fourth game this season Ursinus has played against a nationally ranked adversary.

Franklin & Marshall scored 22 minutes into the game to gain the upper hand. Freshman Mela Gula scored her first collegiate score from just inside the circle off a feed from Anna Horsley. The Diplomats appeared to have added an insurance score later in the second, but had it waved off after the officials determined the shot came from outside the circle.

The Bears had chances to score, but were unable to find the cage. Ursinus outshot the Diplomats 10-6 and was awarded three more penalties than F&M. An Ann Kopera penalty stroke gave the Bears their best chance to tie the game, but the senior just missed high and left.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jules Singer had a strong game in the cage for the Bears, making three saves on four shots faced. Singer is among the top-50 at her position in goals-against average. The Ursinus defense had a strong day in front of singer, limiting the Diplomats to just six shots.