Oct. 20, 2006

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Field Hockey lost its third straight game Friday night, falling to Atlantic 10 Rival Saint Louis, 2-1. The Hawks' record falls to 9-8 overall and 3-2 in the A-10, while the Billikens move to 7-7 (3-2 A-10).

The intense, physical match-up opened with a penalty corner and three shots for SLU within the first two and a half minutes of action. The third shot resulted in a goal for the Billikens as Ashlea Hibshman knocked one in off a scrum in front of the net. The Hawks quickly stepped up the offensive pressure, but were unable to tie the score before the end of the first half.

The defense was truly the backbone for the Hawks in the first half and through out the game, keeping SJU alive. Juniors Brooke Henry and Katie Young played relentlessly in the first half and continued to make big defensive plays in the second. Junior Maryann Reis made a defensive save on Saint Louis' second shot of the game.

The Hawks came out strong in the second half, their fervor evident. 18:00 minutes in, Saint Joseph's tied-up the score when Senior Lauren Luft scored off a blocked shot, originally attempted by senior Maureen Casserly. 10:00 Minutes later, Saint Louis regained the lead after Rebecca Cunfer made two amazing saves in a row but was caught off-balance and unable to make a third as Angela Lombardo knocked in the second rebound for the goal. Saint Joseph's controlled the last four minutes of play, as they feverously tried to tie the score. Getting off two penalty corners and two shots, the game culminated in a third corner opportunity for the Hawks with no time left on the clock. The shot by Anne Schreuders was blocked up into the air and over the net, sealing the victory for the Billikens.

The Hawks out-shot Saint Louis 14-12 and edged the Billikens 8-5 in penalty corners. Goalie Rebecca Cunfer made six saves on the day. Luft's goal was her seventh of the season and 29th career. Schreuders earned her fifth start of the season and continues to emerge as a go-to player for the Hawks.

Saint Joseph's continues its home stand Sunday, October 22nd as they take on their biggest conference rival, Richmond at 11:00 am.