Nov. 3, 2007

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Two goals in the first half by Massachusetts junior Erin Parker led the Minutewomen to a 2-1 victory over Saint Joseph's in the 2007 Atlantic 10 Field Hockey Championship game on Saturday afternoon. Freshman Jen Wrublesky scored for the Hawks shortly after halftime, but SJU could not complete the comeback. The loss ends the season for the Hawks, who finish the year at 11-9.

Massachusetts (13-8) opened the scoring just over 20 minutes into the game on Parker's third goal of the season. A shot from Jaime Bourazeris off a corner attempt was deflected to Katelyn Orlando, who sent a pass into Parker for the goal. She then added a second tally just under seven minutes later after receiving a long cross from Nicole Phelan.

Saint Joseph's came out in the second half looking to strike early, and they did. After a scramble in front of the UMass cage, senior Brianne Miller set up Wrublesky, who put the ball past UMass goalkeeper Becky Letourneau to cut the deficit in half.

As the second half progressed, the game became more physical, culminating in Massachusetts midfielder Makaela Potts receiving a yellow card, leaving the Minutewomen shorthanded for most of the final seven minutes of the game. The Hawks had a number of opportunities during the extra-man situation, but could not get a shot on cage.

On the final play of the game, SJU received a penalty corner opportunity with no time remaining on the clock. Senior Theresa Barbati sent the ball into play, but unfortunately for the Hawks, Miller's last-gasp shot went wide of the goal and the Minutewomen held on to win the championship.

Five Hawks were rewarded for their performance during the Atlantic 10 Championship. Miller, Rebecca Cunfer, Marisa Pizzi, Anne Schreuders, and Katie Young were named to the All-Tournament Team.

"The effort that our team put forth this weekend was phenomenal," said Saint Joseph's head coach Michelle Finegan. "I could not be any prouder of a group than I am of this team."

Today's game also marked the final match in the careers of five senior Hawks. Barbati, Cunfer, Miller, Young, and Brooke Henry played their final game in a Hawk uniform on Saturday. Henry and Young each played in their 80th career game, tying them for first place in program history with two other players.

"This is a great group of seniors," Finegan said. "They were a delightful group for a coach to have, and they will most certainly be missed."

The field hockey team will hold its annual awards banquet on Sunday, December 9th.