LANCASTER, Pa. – Nathan Schlessinger's strike in the 53rd minute of the match allowed the Diplomats (13-2-4, 7-0-2 CC) to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament as F&M blanked Saint Joseph (Conn.) (13-4-3, 7-2-3 GNAC) 2-0 Saturday afternoon.

Keeping the offensive pressure on the Blue Jays, Philip Monos swiped the ball away from a USJ defender to send it to Schlessinger. The forward send a long distance shot that found the back of the net for his third goal of the season.

F&M padded the lead in the 71st minute as Koa Kaliebe led the Diplomats on the attack, carrying the ball into the box. Kaliebe sent a crossing pass to find Adam Green in stride, who sent his shot into the open part of the net to put F&M up 2-0. On the play, Kaliebe was credited with his team-leading fifth assist of the season.

Although both scores came within the second half of play, the Diplomats had their opportunities early in the match. Owen Sobel had two early scoring chances as his first shot was fired just wide of the frame in the fourth minute of play. In the sixth minute, Sobel found himself behind the Blue Jays' defense with a good look at the net, but his shot rang off the right post and bounced out of bounds for a goal kick.

Franklin & Marshall totaled 11 shots with four on net in the win.

On defense, Sam Farrell made five saves to keep Saint Joseph off the scoreboard for his sixth shutout of the year.

F&M plays SUNY Cortland Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in the second round of the NCAA Tournament held at Tylus Field.