Oct. 31, 2004

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's women's soccer team accomplished one of its goals this afternoon, earning a spot in the Atlantic 10 Championships with a 1-0 win over George Washington Sunday afternoon at Finnesey Field. The Hawks will now look to accomplish their other goal, winning an A-10 title, as they prepare for next weekend's championships.

The Hawks entered today's game in fifth place, needing only a tie to earn a berth in the conference tournament at the University of Massachusetts. With the victory, Saint Joseph's secured at least the fifth seed, if not higher, depending on this afternoons other A-10 match ups.

The Colonials pressed hard in the first half with the aid of a strong wind. George Washington recorded 15 first-half shots, with three of them deflecting off the posts and crossbar.

Despite the Colonials barrage of shots, the Hawks pressed the ball and got on the board first in the 31st minute. Saint Joseph's sophomore Nancy Cook received a throw in pass and darted toward the end line. Classmate Ali Wean took a centering pass from Cook and beat George Washington's Anna Handzlik to the far post from six yards out to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead at 30:01.

Saint Joseph's, holding a 1-0 lead at the half, used the wind to its advantage in the second stanza, keeping the ball in George Washington's end for a majority of the second half.

Even though the Colonials were out shot 8-4 in the second half, they mounted a late charge in the final minute. George Washington, who got control of the ball deep in their end, brought it up to midfield and received an indirect kick off a Hawks' foul. The indirect was drilled towards the Hawks goal, but was headed off to the side with 10 seconds remaining. The Colonials scrambled to throw the ball in, but were to no avail.

Saint Joseph's junior goalkeeper Nicole DiEnna made seven saves to earn the shutout, while Handzlik made six in the loss.

With the victory, Saint Joseph's improves to 8-10-1 overall and 6-4-1 in Atlantic 10 play. George Washington falls to 6-8-5 and 4-4-3 in conference play

The Hawks, who earned a berth in the A-10 Championships for the second straight season, will find out tomorrow who and when they will play this Thursday, November 4, when conference officials announce the championships schedule.