Oct. 6, 2006

Box Score

KINGSTON, RI - Saint Joseph's won its first conference game of the season, defeating Rhode Island Friday night at the URI Field Hockey Complex. The win marks the Hawks' sixth shutout of the season and brings their record to 7-5 (1-0 in Atlantic 10).

The first half was a hard fought, back and forth match-up with the Hawks out-shooting the Rams, 6-4. With just :07 seconds left in the half, a scramble broke out in front of the URI goal and senior captain Maureen Casserly was able to get a stick on the ball to knock it over to captain Nicole Antonini who put it in the back of the cage. The goal was Antonini's ninth of the season and Casserly's first assist of the season.

SJU came out strong dominating the second half to hold on to the lead. The Hawks' aggressive play and tough defense enabled SJU to keep the ball on the offense end of the field most of the half, out-shooting the Rams 7-3 and securing the win.

Goalie Rebecca Cunfer earned her fifth shut-out of the season and 12th of her career, placing her tied for third on SJU's Career Leaders History. Cunfer made four saves for the day.

"It was a hard fought game," said head coach Michelle Finegan. "I'm really proud of the way we played, especially on the different surface with the grass. Becky played a beautiful game, a really nice shutout. She made a couple great plays, that were just game stoppers, when (URI) had a couple break always, she came out and was able to stop them."

Saint Joseph's out-shot Rhode Island 13-7 for the day and edged the Rams 6-2 in penalty corners.

The Hawks return to action in their second Atlantic 10 match up of the season, Sunday, October 8th Massachusetts. Game time is set for noon.