BOX SCORE LORETTO, Pa. (Oct. 5, 2012) – Junior Tesa McKibben (Cogan Station, Pa./Montoursville) scored twice and the Red Flash defense posted a program-record fifth consecutive shutout as Saint Francis U cruised past Central Conn. State, 3-0, to improve to 5-0 in Northeast Conference play.

The victory gave Saint Francis (8-4-1) its sixth win in a row and extended its NEC home-unbeaten streak to 15 games.  The Blue Devils dropped to 1-10-1 and remained winless in league play, falling to 0-4.

Central Conn. State had early chances in the match before the Flash gained their usual form.  McKibben finally broke through in the 34th minute by tapping a ball past outstretched Blue Devils goalkeeper Nikiola Deiter.  Freshman Hallie Rexer (Mountain Top, Pa./Holy Redeemer) picked up her first collegiate assist on the play.

Nearly 20 minutes ticked off the second half clock before Ellie Gavin (Hilliard, Ohio/Bishop Watterson) dished to McKibben who hit the back of the net for the 10th time this season.  Sophomore Eloá Nascimento tallied the game's final marker in the 72nd minute after accepting a long, well-placed pass from freshman Kelly Beegle (Bedford, Pa./Bedford) before finishing from 15 yards out.

On the afternoon, Saint Francis accumulated a 20-to-8 edge in shots and attempted six corner kicks to the Blue Devils' three.

The Alecia McNiff (Marietta, Pa./Donegal )-led SFU defense allowed a mere two shots on goal, both of which were stopped by Brianna Butcher (East Longmeadow, Mass./East Longmeadow).  CCSU's Deiter made six saves in 72 minutes of work before being relieved by Corey Medrano.

Saint Francis closes its non-conference slate on Sunday when it welcomes Penn for a noon match.