WESTMINSTER, Md. - Homestanding McDaniel used a trio of first-half goals and an outstanding effort from its defense to defeat the Swarthmore College field hockey team (8-6, 3-4) by a score of 3-1 on Saturday afternoon in Centennial Conference action.

Senior Katie Teleky scored the lone goal for the Garnet late in the first half.

Fighting for a spot in the Centennial Conference playoffs, the Garnet suffered a costly defeat at the hands of the Green Terror.  Swarthmore dominated play for the a majority of the match - putting 16 shots on goal compared to just seven for McDaniel  - but still finished on the wrong end of the scoreline.

A remarkable effort from the defense played a large part in the Green Terror's victory. Goalkeeper Vicci Anderson finished with an impressive 15 saves while the defense pitched in with three defensive saves.

The Garnet dug itself in early hole as McDaniel used a pair of goals in the opening nine minutes to build an early 2-0 lead.

Down 2-0, Swat fought back, as Teleky netted an unassisted goal to cut the deficit to 2-1.

The outcome of the match may have been determined in the ensuing 15 minutes of play. With momentum at its back, the Garnet offense did everything but score, putting seven shots on goal, only to be denied each time. Then in the 30th minute, McDaniel added to its lead when Sara Reynolds scored her second goal of the game to put the Green Terror up 3-1.

In the second half, the Garnet offense continued to threaten - putting seven shots on target - but to no avail, as McDaniel hung on for the 3-1 win.

Junior goalie Gabby Capone finished with five saves. 

Swarthmore continues its playoff push on Wednesday when it travels to Muhlenberg. Play is set to begin at 7:30 p.m.