WINCHESTER, Va. --- The Shenandoah University field hockey team will make its third straight appearance in the ODAC Tournament semi-finals thanks to a 3-1 victory over Eastern Mennonite Saturday evening.

Senior Ashley Cross scored a hat trick as Shenandoah (12-6) punched its ticket to a Wednesday semi-final at second-seeded Bridgewater.

In the process of beating the Royals (4-15), SU also set a new program record for victories in a season. The squad's 12th win of the allows it to pass the 2012 team and its 11 victories.

Cross scored the game's first goal in the 22nd minute when she took a 35-yard pass from junior Presha Merritt and redirected it into the goal.

Twelve minutes later, Cross was taken down as she advanced toward the Royals goal and was awarded a penalty stroke.

The senior didn't hesitate, burying her shot to the stick side of EMU keeper Ariel Bills and the Hornets now had a commanding lead.

In the second half, Cross made the 25 minutes academic as she finished off another Merritt feed.

Shenandoah goalkeeper Jenna Rampale kept the shutout alive midway through the half by stopping an EMU penalty stroke.

The Royals were able to get on the board on in the 63rd minute.

SU outshot its visitors 27-16 and had an 11-6 advantage in penalty corners.

Rampale made seven saves.

Official time for the Bridgewater game on Wednesday should be announced later this evening.

-- This release is courtesy of the Shenandoah University sports information department. --