Nov. 4, 2004

Box Score

AMHERST, MA - For the first time in program history, the Saint Joseph's women's soccer team has advanced to the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Championship, downing La Salle 1-0 this afternoon in the quarterfinal of the A-10 championship at Rudd Field on the campus of the University of Massachusetts.

The Explorers, who won the previous meeting this season 3-0, controlled the ball for most of the first half. La Salle out shot the Hawks 8-2 in the first stanza, despite giving up a shot by SJU's Ginette Buffone that sailed inches over the crossbar.

In the second half, La Salle continued to press the ball deep into Saint Joseph's end, leading to five scoring chances in the opening 15 minutes. Kim Lisun had the best opportunity for the Explorers, but saw her shot hit off the crossbar in the 57th minute.

The Hawks regrouped and forced the ball back towards La Salle's end. After two SJU shots failed to find the net, junior defender Jess Daugherty kicked a high bending shot from 30-yards out that beat La Salle's Kerry Schamberger to the far post to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead at 66:21.

The Hawks' defense took over from there, holding the Explorers without a shot over the final 23 minutes to preserve the 1-0 victory.

For the second straight game, Saint Joseph's junior goalkeeper Nicole DiEnna posted a shutout, making five saves to earn her fifth victory of the season. Schamberger made three saves for La Salle in a losing effort.

For the game, the Explorers out shot the Hawks 14-7 and held an 8-1 edge in corner kicks.

The Hawks improve to 9-10-1 with the win, while the Explorers season comes to a close with a 10-8-2 record.

Saint Joseph's, seeded fourth in the six-team tournament, will face the top seeded Dayton flyers tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Rudd Field