By John Grimaldi – STAFF WRITER

The Hofstra women’s soccer team defeated the Drexel Dragons with a score of 1-0 at home on Sunday afternoon. Hofstra dominated in defense and possession time throughout the game, allowing just two shots in the first half of play and nine shots total.

Goalie Friederike Mehring ended the season on a high note by shutting out the Dragons for her second consecutive shutout. Head coach Simon Riddiough praised Mehring’s play and her strong mentality.

“She has been inconsistent, let’s be honest, but now she has put in two good performances back to back,” said Riddiough. “It’s a testament to her focus and mentality.”

Towards the end of the first half, senior forward Leah Galton was fouled hard and was treated on the sideline. She did not return to the field until the beginning of the second half.

“She got stepped on,” said Riddiough. “[It was a] tough foul to take,” Riddiough praised Galton, who has played her last regular season game with the Pride, saying that she is, “the embodiment of the senior class.”

Sophomore Emily Hulbert had the lone goal of the game through a very impressive presentation of teamwork by the Pride. Jill Mulholland headed a cross from Kristin Desmond to Hulbert, who headed it in for the goal in the 43rd minute of the game.

“It was a tough battle,” said Riddiough. “Drexel always gives us a tough battle. Good thing for us is we bent, but we didn’t break. We handled the pressure.”

The win over Drexel propels Hofstra to a 7-1-1 record in the CAA and a 13-4-1 record overall, clinching a home-field advantage in the CAA tournament.

The Pride now looks forward to not needing to travel and being able to rest their bodies as they head into the tournament.

“Fortunately now we have three weeks,” said Riddiough. “We have time to recuperate.”

The first game of the CAA tournament will take place at Hofstra Soccer Stadium on Nov. 6.