Aug. 28, 2010

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Saint Joseph's field hockey team opened its 2010 season on Saturday, falling to third-ranked Virginia, 4-0, in the first game of the Temple Invitational at TU's Geasey Field. Senior goalkeeper Kelly Swanick made 14 saves in the contest. UVA is the first top-five opponent that the Hawks have faced since SJU defeated fifth-ranked James Madison in 1995.

The Cavaliers got off to a quick start as Paige Selenski scored just 2:19 into the contest, rocketing a shot in from the right side to give Virginia (1-0) the lead. Elly Buckley doubled the margin three and a half minutes later, scoring off a penalty corner on assists from Kaitlyn Hiltz and Taylor Swezey.

Liza Blue scooped up a loose ball off a rebound midway through the stanza and slipped it past an outstretched Swanick to give UVA a three-goal advantage at the break.

The Hawks had a few opportunities late in the half to get on the board, but senior Nicole McCreight had a pair of shots saved on corner attempts by Virginia goalkeeper Adrienne Ostroff.

The second half started out better for SJU (0-1) as the Hawks were able to put on some offensive pressure early on, but the Cavalier defense held firm. The Saint Joseph's defense was also strong in the second period; Virginia unleashed a 21-shot barrage but only managed to tally once, as Selenski scored on a penalty corner just under five minutes from time.

Swanick came up big to keep the Cavaliers off the scoreboard for the first 30 minutes of the half, including stopping a penalty stroke from UVA's Michelle Vittese. In all, she totaled nine saves in the period.

The Hawks return to action Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against Bucknell at Geasey Field.