Sept. 14, 2007

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's University field hockey team earned its first home victory of the 2007 season with a 1-0 shutout of the visiting Virginia Commonwealth Rams on Friday afternoon at Finnesey Field. Freshman forward Jen Wrublesky scored midway through the first half to provide all of the offense in the game. Senior goalkeeper Rebecca Cunfer earned her first shutout of the young season, making two saves in the win.

VCU (3-2) started off strong, earning two penalty corner opportunities in the first 65 seconds of play. The Rams could not get a clear shot on either attempt. Saint Joseph's (2-4) then picked up its offensive flow, ripping off four consecutive shots over a four-minute span. Neither team was able to break through the opposing defense until the Hawks took off on a break midway through the half. Senior Brianne Miller sent a pass straight upfield and directly to the stick of junior attacker Marisa Pizzi, who sent it through to Wrublesky. The rookie forward moved to her right and fired a blast between the legs of VCU goalkeeper Brittany LoVullo for her team-leading second goal of the season.

The second half saw more of the same, as the two squads took turns dominating the run of play. Despite earning four penalty corners in the second half to zero for the Rams, the Hawks could not find a way to add to their lead. Fortunately for the Crimson and Gray, the defense held strong and Cunfer kept the VCU offense from finding the back of the cage.

Wrublesky led all players with three shots on goal. Cunfer's two saves helped lower her goals-against average to 0.95 for the year. LoVullo made four saves for the Rams, while Laura Baker made three saves after entering at halftime.

Saint Joseph's will close out its five-game homestand on Sunday afternoon. The Hawks will host their fourth consecutive Colonial Athletic Association opponent when they face-off with the University of Delaware Blue Hens. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.