STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Wagner College field hockey team (6-8, 5-2 NEC) defeated the Merrimack Warriors (2-12, 2-4 NEC) by a score of 4-2 in a conference bout at the Wagner College Field Hockey Complex on Friday afternoon. 

Senior Hailey Bianchino scored two goals, both in the second half, to help push the Seahawks past the Warriors. The Hillsborough, NJ native is now second on the team in total points with 12, behind junior Floortje Leunisse who had two assists on Friday. 

Leunisse set up reigning NEC Rookie of the Week freshman Julia de Leeuw in the first frame of play prior to adding her second on Bianchino's goal late in the contest.

The Seahawks extended their lead to 2-0 prior to the second quarter of play off of a successful penalty stroke from junior Felicitas Herrero for her fifth goal of the season. Herrero is now a perfect three-for-three on penalty stroke attempts this year. 

Merrimack scored early in the second half before Bianchino's first goal. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Seahawks held a 3-1 advantage. Merrimack put the first goal of the fourth in the back of the cage to make it a one-goal game but not before Bianchino's circus shot stopped all momentum the Warriors had to make it 4-2 in the final moments.

In the cage, sophomore Saar van Dalen recorded four saves and her sixth win of the year. The Netherlands native is up to 71 saves on the year. 

As a team, Wagner took 25 shots with 12 being on target and earned 15 penalty corners; comparatively, Merrimack attempted six shots with four being put on goal and earned four penalty corners. 

The Seahawks currently sit in third place in the NEC's regular season standings, sitting behind SFU and Fairfield. 

Next up, Wagner takes on Ivy League member Columbia on Sunday, October 19. Opening center pass is set for noon at the Baker Athletics Complex.