Sept. 26, 2010

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - A four-goal second half propelled 15th-ranked American past the Saint Joseph's field hockey team, 5-0, on Sunday afternoon at Temple University's Geasey Field. Senior goalkeeper Kelly Swanick made 13 saves in the defeat, while sophomore Abby Hoover notched a pair of defensive saves.

American (7-2) dominated the first half, outshooting the Hawks 14-1. Swanick stood tall, however, making six stops and allowing just one goal from Shelly Montgomery on a deflection on a penalty corner attempt.

Saint Joseph's (3-6) was able to maintain better offensive pressure in the second half, but the Eagles broke through with 23:34 to go on a goal by Kirstin Gebhart off a feed from Costanza Palma. A minute and a half later, Shay Smith scored on a long blast from the top of the arc before Montgomery scored her second goal of the game, also on a deflection, to put the contest essentially out of reach with 10:13 to go.

Christine Fingerhuth added a penalty stroke goal with 2:02 remaining to close out the scoring.

Swanick has posted double-digit saves in six of nine contests, while Hoover is among the national leaders with five defensive saves on the year.

SJU returns to the pitch on Sunday with a road contest at Fairfield. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.