Dover, Del. (Sep. 24) --- Mary O'Connor scored on a penalty kick right before halftime to give Delaware State a 1-0 victory over Hampton at Alumni Stadium this evening.
 
The win was the first for the Hornets since a 7-0 victory over Maine Fort Kent in the 2019 season finale and first against a Division I opponent since defeating Canisius 2-1 in 2018.

Delaware State also improved to 5-0 all-time vs. Hampton. The match-up between the teams was the first since the 2017 season.
 
O'Connor fired the penalty shot to the lower right corner of the net past Hampton keeper Sydney Johnson to give Delaware State its first lead of the season.  The goal was the fourth of her career. She was tied for the team lead with three scores and was tops on the Hornets with nine points in 2018.
  
O'Connor's goal would prove to be enough as Delaware State's defense held Hampton at bay in the  second half.
 
The Pirates fired off just three shots in the second half and five for the match.

Delaware State had eight shots in the contest, including five on goal.  
 
Gabriella Cabrera (Elkridge, Md. / Long Reach HS) and Geligne Franklin (Silver Spring / J. H. Blake HS) led the Hornets' offensive attack with three and two shots, respectively.
 
Junior goalkeeper Eriona Shabani (Bowling Green, KY / Columbia State CC (Tenn.)) tallied two saves as she recorded her first shutout in a Delaware State uniform.
 
The Hornets will be back in action on Sunday, September 26 when they take on the Bryant Bulldogs on the road. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.