Oct. 28, 2006

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Field hockey took down Temple in an emotional, battle-to-the-finish Saturday afternoon at Finnesey Field. The 2-1 overtime win brings the Hawks' record to 10-9 overall and 4-3 in the Atlantic 10, earning them a spot in the Atlantic 10 Tournament next weekend. Senior Lauren Luft scored the game-winning goal for the Hawks.

Before the game, Seniors Charlsie Agro, Nicole Antonini, Maureen Casserly, Lauren Luft and Maryann Reis were honored for their years of hard work and dedication to the Saint Joseph's University Field Hockey program.

The first half was anybody's game as both teams came out hungry for a win. The Hawks managed five shots and two penalty corners in the first half while the Owls got off three shots and two corners. Temple's sophomore goalie Erin Hanshue made three saves and Junior Rebecca Cunfer made one for the Hawks to keep the game scoreless going into the break.

The second half opened up with a corner opportunity for SJU a little over a minute into play. The Hawks managed to keep the ball in the offensive end, added two more corners and three shots in the nest nine minutes of play. The fourth shot resulted in a Hawks goal as sophomore Marisa Pizzi knocked one in off a scrum in front of the net. The battle continued and at 65:28, the Owls managed to tie up the score off a penalty corner. Junior Leanne Vogelsong touched the ball to classmate Alli Lokey, who blasted into the left side of the cage through a frenzy of activity in front, catching Cunfer on the ground. Casserly was able to get one more shot off for the Hawks with just :30 seconds remaining, but it went wide and time expired.

As overtime started, SJU was awarded a corner a minute into play, but the Hawks were unable to capitalize as freshman Anne Schreuders' shot went wide. Minutes later, the Hawks soared down the field, Casserly got the ball far right of the goal, crossed it in front and Luft was able to get a stick on it and tuck it into the bottom left of the cage for the win. The goal came at 75:26 and was Luft's ninth of the season.

SJU had 13 shots for the day and six penalty corners. Cunfer earned the win with four saves.

Saint Joseph's 4-3 record ties them for second place in the A10 and secures a spot in the post-season tournament. The Atlantic 10 Tournament is set to take place next Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4th at Richmond Virginia. Be sure to check back at sjuhawks.com for opponents and game times.