HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- The 18th-ranked Washington & Jefferson field hockey team used another strong defensive effort to best Houghton, 2-0, in road Empire 8 action on Saturday, Oct 20, in Houghton, N.Y. 

The Presidents, who are now 14-0 overall and 7-0 in the E8 this season, logged their 11th shutout win in 14 games. The win also cliches the No. 1 seed for W&J heading into the Empire 8 Tournament, which means that the Red & Black will host the semifinals and finals on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3-4. Houghton, on the other hand, are 4-11 overall with a 1-6 mark in the conference. 

Alana Boyd (Alexandria, Va./Thomas Edison) opened today's scoring with her sixth goal in the last seven games. Boyd used her speed to beat the defense to the center of the circle and buried a shot in the 20th minute to put the Red & Black up 1-0. She has scored seven goals this season, which is one shy of her career high from last year. 

Rachel Fromm (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Mechanicsburg) put the Presidents up 2-0 with her second goal of 2018. Following a penalty corner early in the second half, Fromm took a pass from Reghan Dunn (Earleville, Md./Bohemian Manor) and beat the opposing keeper in the 38th minute to set today's final score. 

In total, W&J outshot the Highlanders by a 15-2 margin. Boyd led all players with eight shots, four of which were on goal, while Claire Shaak (Myerstown, Pa./Eastern Lebanon County) finished second on the team with two. 

In cage, Rena Israel (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) played all 70 minutes and earned her 12th win without having to make a save. Israel also lowered her nation-best goals-against average to 0.17. 

The Presidents will take one final break from league play on Wednesday, Oct. 24, when they will welcome Juniata to Cameron Stadium for a 7 p.m. clash.