BROOKVILLE, N.Y.- The Long Island University field hockey team kicks off Northeast Conference play this weekend with two games. On Friday afternoon the Sharks return to the confines of Bethpage Federal Credit Union Stadium to host the Wagner Seahawks at 4:00 p.m. Prior to the start of the conference matchup, the team will honor their three seniors as part of senior day. The Sharks are back on the road on Sunday with a trip to Rider for a 12:00 matchup against the Broncs.

LIU vs. Wagner
Friday, October 11 
Time: 4:00 p.m. 
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LIU at Rider
Sunday, October 13
Time: 12:00 p.m.
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NOTES ON THE SHARKS
LIU is looking to extend its win streak to three games, most recently coming off a 2-1 victory on the road at Lehigh. Freshman midfielder Alexis Ruiz scored her first career goal to get the Sharks on the board. Junior forward Sammy Bell tallied her third goal of the season to give LIU a 2-0 advantage. In goal, junior Rachel Vellis earned her second consecutive victory behind five saves, and only one goal allowed. Vellis and the defense successfully killed off all four offensive penalty corners the Mountain Hawks had. Vellis has 56 saves this season and is sporting a .778 save percentage. She was named a NEC Prime Performer this past week for her efforts against Lehigh. Bell is second on the team with three goals and eight points, while Kaitlyn Olton leads the team with five goals and 10 points.
 
SCOUTING THE SEAHAWKS
First year program Wagner enters Friday's matchup with a 1-6 overall record and 0-1 NEC record. The Seahawks are looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss at Rider last weekend. Midfielder Frederique Soons scored her first goal of the season for Wagner. Annabel Zandvoort and Justine van Spengler split time in net and had a combined three saves. Hannah Meyer leads the team with seven points behind two goals and three assists. Kira Mordvinov has a team-high three goals. Zandvoort has 44 saves this season.  
 
SCOUTING THE BRONCS
The Rider Broncs come into the weekend with a 7-3 overall record and are 1-0 in the conference after defeating Wagner last weekend. The Broncs will take on Merrimack College on Friday evening before coming into Sunday's matchup. Rider is looking to bounce back from a 5-1 loss to Monmouth last week. Sierra Giuliano scored her first career goal against the Hawks. Goalkeeper Lena Vandam made six saves in the game. She has played every minute in net this season for the Broncs and has 51 saves for a .761 save percentage. Carly Brosious and Julia Divorra are tied with the most goals on the team with nine.
 
Up Next
The Sharks will continue NEC play to kick off homecoming weekend next Friday, October 18 when they host Merrimack. Game time at Bethpage Stadium is set for 2:00 p.m.