Oct. 23, 2007

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Jen Wrublesky scored twice to lead the Saint Joseph's field hockey team to a 2-1 triumph over the Villanova Wildcats on Tuesday night, the team's third straight victory. The win marks the second time this season that the Hawks have reeled off three consecutive wins.

Villanova (10-6, 3-3 Big East) started the scoring as Stephanie Campbell beat SJU goalkeeper Rebecca Cunfer for the opening goal at the 11:19 mark of the first half. The goal ended Cunfer's scoreless streak at just over 189 minutes. Cunfer has allowed just two goals in her last 383:09 of action.

The Wildcats would not hold the lead for long, as Wrublesky scored the equalizer just over 11 minutes later. The goal came off of a corner attempt; the Hawks would receive 10 such opportunities for the game.

Shortly after the break, Saint Joseph's (10-7, 4-2 Atlantic 10) took the lead for good, as Wrublesky scored her second goal of the game, her eighth of the season, off of another corner attempt. The Wildcats had an opportunity to tie the game with no time left on the clock, but the Hawk defense held firm to preserve the win.

Wrublesky, coming off her third Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week honor, now has 20 points (eight goals, four assists) on the season to pace the Hawk offense. The freshman sensation stands alone in third place in the conference in points and is tied for third in goals. Wrublesky is tied with teammate Marisa Pizzi for second in the A-10 with four game-winning goals.

Seniors Katie Young and Theresa Barbati assisted on both goals Tuesday night. Barbati now leads the Atlantic 10 in assists with nine, while Young is tied for second with eight. The pair currently ranks first and second in the conference in assists per game.

Cunfer made six saves in the game and maintained her league-leading goals against average of 1.03.

The Hawks will close out the regular season on Saturday afternoon with a home game against the rival Temple Owls. Game time is scheduled for noon. A pre-game ceremony will be held to honor the five graduating seniors - Barbati, Cunfer, Young, Brooke Henry, and Brianne Miller - for their dedication to the program over their four years on Hawk Hill.

Saint Joseph's has also qualified for the Atlantic 10 Field Hockey Championship, which will commence on Friday, November 2, at Finnesey Field. The Hawks will play in the first semifinal at 11:00 a.m. against an opponent to be determined.