Box score

Freshman Nicola Graham's first-half goal was all the Huskies needed Sunday as they upstaged No. 17 Delaware at Sweeney Field. Northeastern has now won five in a row and moves into a tie for third place in the conference with Drexel. Redshirt freshman keeper Lizzie Priest earned her second straight shutout, making four saves.

It was the Huskies' first win over a ranked opponent in 2009, and the first since Sept. 14, 2008, a 2-1 win at No. 18 Boston University. The defeat snapped Delaware's nine-game winning streak.

In a game dominated by defense, the Huskies back line completely shut down a Delaware offense that entered today's game averaging nearly 3.5 goals per game. Delaware's Casey Howard, who has 31 points this season, was held to just two shots on goal and was hounded all game by Husky junior Anne-Rieke Stuhlmann, sophomore Keelin Quinn and sophomore Kaela Barker.

Playing without center forward Crystal Poland, the Huskies turned to Graham to provide an offensive spark up front. The North Vancouver native did just that 20 minutes into the contest, staking the Huskies with a 1-0 lead. Graham outraced Delaware's Michelle Drummonds for a loose ball in the offensive zone and beat keeper Noelle Diana short side on the breakaway. The goal snapped Diana's shutout streak at 220 consecutive minutes.

The Fightin' Blue Hens came on strong in the second half, but the Huskies congested the midfield and did not allow Delaware room to operate. Howard had a glorious chance to equalize with 8:30 remaining, but her blast from nine yards out was met by the right pad of Priest, who kicked it out of harm's way.

Priest was tested once more with just over three minutes remaining, making another huge kick save on Drummonds following a penalty corner.

Tense moments ensued in the waning seconds as Delaware earned two penalty corners, but the Husky defense prevented the Hens from attempting a shot to seal the game.

Delaware held a slim edge in shots, 6-5, including a 4-0 margin in the second frame.

The Huskies return to action on Wednesday, Oct. 14 vs. No. 7 Connecticut at Boston College's Newton Campus Field at 7 p.m.