March 12, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA--Christina Colangelo, Abby Renninger, and Jenna Martino led the Hawks with three goals each in a dominating 12-2 win over rival Villanova (2-3) on Wednesday evening at Finnesey Field. Saint Joseph's (4-2) Suzy Herlihy frustrated the Wildcats with her best goalkeeping performance of the year, stopping 10 shots, while only giving up two goals.

SJU thoroughly dismantled Villanova by controlling possession of the ball, forcing turnovers that disallowed Villanova from clearing its defensive end, as well as putting shots on net. For the game, the Hawks put 18 of their 22 shots on net, with 12 of those 18 hitting the back of the net.

Saint Joseph's started quickly with three straight goals by Lindsey-Kate McCool, Colangelo, and Martino before the Wildcats got on the board with 23:20 remaining in the first stanza.

The Hawks battled back, controlling possession and making use of its scoring chances. They would go on to score seven straight goals before Villanova could respond. SJU was up 7-1 at half time and stretched that lead to 10-1.

Saint Joseph's capped the game with goals by Colangelo and Martino before running out the clock with over six minutes to play.

SJU's Suzy Herlihy was on top of her game between the pipes, making eight saves while facing 14 Villanova shots. The Hawk defense was stellar too forcing 21 VU turnovers, winning 12 draw controls and forcing Villanova to only clear 11 times in 22 attempts. Additionally, SJU was a perfect 5-for-5 from free-position shot attempts.

The Hawks will be in action on Thursday, March 20 to take on the Temple Owls in SJU's Atlantic 10 opener.