ANNVILLE, Pa. – No. 8 Franklin & Marshall outlasted Lebanon Valley 1-0 in non-conference field hockey action on Friday afternoon. The Diplomats (4-0) remain unbeaten with the triumph and snap a six-game losing streak against the Dutchmen (1-4) in the all-time series.

The 4-0 start marks the third time in the last four seasons that the Diplomats have opened the year with at least four straight victories.

After a scoreless first 55 minutes of play, the Diplomats broke through a tough LVC defensive unit with just under nine minutes left in regulation. Maria Guarisco made a run towards goal from the left side, and ripped a shot that deflected off a defender's leg into the cage to give F&M the 1-0 victory.

The F&M defense proved effective once again as the Diplomats held the Dutchmen to just two shots and one penalty corner in the contest. The Diplomats held a 10-2 edge in shots and a significant 15-1 margin in penalty corners.

Goalkeeper Avery Koep posted two saves to earn her third victory of the season, while LVC netminder Chloe Baro tallied eight stops in the loss.

The Diplomats begin their quest to repeat as Centennial Conference (CC) Champions next Wednesday, Sept. 18 as they travel to Swarthmore for their CC opener and game two of a three-game road trip. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.