Oct. 7, 2012

Box Score

FENTON, Mo. - Senior Abby Hoover scored the first goal of her career on Sunday afternoon and junior goalkeeper Kate Mitchell posted her first career shutout as the Saint Joseph's field hockey team opened Atlantic 10 play with a 1-0 victory at Saint Louis.

Saint Joseph's (4-9 overall, 1-0 Atlantic 10) controlled the early run of play, ripping off the first four shots of the game. The Billikens took over in the middle part of the period, but Mitchell turned away the only shot on her cage during the stretch.

The Hawks won a penalty corner with 10:45 to go in the half, and Meghan Githens inserted a pass to Nicole Gerdes, who fed Hoover for the goal.

Saint Louis (1-12 overall, 0-1 Atlantic 10) had a chance to tie before the break, but Mitchell stopped another shot off the stick of Lexie Lindblad to keep the Hawks in front.

The defenses took over in the second half, as the Billikens outshot the Hawks, 5-2, but Mitchell made two saves, including one after a penalty corner with 10 minutes to go, to preserve the win.

Saint Joseph's will play its next two conference games at home, hosting Lock Haven on Friday, October 12 at 3:00 p.m. and La Salle on Sunday, October 14, at noon.