April 13, 2009

PHILADELPHIA--The Saint Joseph's women's lacrosse team earned its first berth to the Atlantic 10 Championship since 2001 thanks to a second-place 4-1 Conference record and a Temple defeat at UMass on Saturday. Saint Joseph's is 8-6 overall.

The Hawks defeated crosstown rival La Salle, 16-6, on Thursday to all but assure them of a spot in the four-team tournament to be held at Temple's Geasey Field. The loss eliminated the Explorers from playoff contention.

On Saturday, the first-place Minutewomen from Massachusetts took out the last-place Owls, 16-4, securing SJU's spot in the tournament. UMass defeated Saint Joseph's, 10-8, on March 29 at Finnesey Field.

The eight wins this season tie the season most from the 1996 and 2004 seasons, while the 4-1 A-10 record is the best start and most wins in program history. A win against either third-place teams, George Washington or Richmond, will give the Hawks their best record in school history and extend their best showing in A-10 play.

Saint Joseph's will host GW on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at Finnesey Field. Prior to Friday's game, the Hawks will honor its six seniors-- Suzy Herlihy, Helene Tursi, Jessica Westlake, Jontell Lyons, Abby Renninger, and Meghan Cullinan--for SJU's annual Senior Day.

SJU wraps up its regular season on Sunday at Richmond, game time is set for noon in Virginia. The A-10 Tournament will commence Friday, April 24 at Temple with the first game starting at 1:00 p.m. and the second semifinal beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Championship is slated for 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26.