Bel Air, Md. - Harford picked their first win in Maryland JUCO Conference play this season, conquering the Essex Knights, 23-12, Thursday night inside Harford Stadium.

The Fighting Owls maneuvered through a game riddled with yellow cards, scoring a season high 23 goals on their conference rival.

The Knights stayed close early on, going goal-for-goal with the Fighting Owls for the opening seven minutes. Harford took over from there, ambushing Essex with nine goals over the next 11 minutes to move ahead 12-3.

The second half started out in favor of the visitors, but Harford stood firm and scored five of the game's final eight goals to come away with the victory over their longtime rivals.

Harford moves to 2-0 after the win. Essex falls to 1-1.

Scoring Summary
Harford Goals: Sarah Dudick (5), Beth Bishop (4), Rachel Wilson (4), Keeley McHugh (4), Sydney Mckemy (2), Sammy DeCarlo (1), Julianna Andrus (1), Kiley Hartsell (1), Paige Graff (1)
Harford Assists: DeCarlo (2), McHugh (2), McKemy (1), Bishop (1), Mills (1)
Essex Goals: Jade Joyce (4), Madison D'Amico (3), Emily Dutton (2), Courtney Jacobs (1), Bailey D'Amico (1), Alex Strohman (1)
Essex Assists: N/A
 
Goalkeepers
W: Amanda Cliffe (2-0)
L: Makenzi Cullings (1-1)
 
Games Notes

• Dudick's five scores gives her a team leading seven goals on the year.
• Dudick and Rachel Wilson once again led Harford in draw controls, collecting six each.
• Amanda Cliffe earned her second win between the pipes for Harford. She also collected a game high four ground balls.
• Harford finished 5-for-8 in free position shots, while Essex managed just a 4-for-12 mark
• The Fighting Owls outshot Essex, 35-25

Up Next
Harford heads to the road for the first time this season to face another conference rival in Anne Arundel on Wednesday, March 20 at 6 p.m.