Box Score DAVIDSON, N.C. – Sophomore forward Anna Willocks and freshman forward Kayla Walker scored at each end of the second half and senior goalkeeper Amelia Deibler posted her third shutout of the season as the Saint Joseph's field hockey team topped Davidson, 2-0, at Belk Turf Field on Saturday.
With the win, the Hawks wrap up their regular season slate undefeated in league play for the first time since the 1995 team went 4-0.
Neither team was able to get a foothold throughout a scoreless first half, but Saint Joseph's (14-5 overall, 8-0 Atlantic 10) had an opportunity with three penalty corners late in the frame. The Hawks managed to put three shots on target, but a pair of saves by goalkeeper Bean Rodriguez and a defensive save from Courtney Byler sent the teams into the break on level terms.
Willocks made sure it didn't stay that way for long, however, as she scored her 23rd goal of the season four and a half minutes into the second half, taking a pass from classmate Monica Tice and tucking the ball past Rodriguez from the right post to put SJU on top, 1-0.
The Hawks maintained much of the possession throughout the period, but Davidson (6-13 overall, 2-6 Atlantic 10) had a chance to equalize on a penalty corner midway through the half. The SJU defense stood strong and did not allow a shot, keeping the one-goal lead intact.
With the game winding down, the Hawks were able to seal the deal as freshman Courtney Gerber found Walker in front of the cage for her second goal of the season with 7:14 to play.
"As expected, Davidson started strong and we played another tough Atlantic 10 match," head coach Lynn Farquhar said.
Deibler finished with a pair of saves, both in the first half, while Rodriguez made six for the Wildcats. SJU held 17-3 shot advantage in the game, holding Davidson without a shot in the second half, and earned 10 corners to just two for the Wildcats.
"I am so proud of this 2016 squad," Farquhar said. "Our mission was to play Hawk hockey; we took this season one day at a time, and every weekend, someone stepped up. To finish 8-0 in league play in the regular season is a huge statement to our leadership. The best leaders make those around them better. We're honored and excited to play another day together as we prepare for the A-10 Championship."
Saint Joseph's will now head to Richmond, Virginia, for the 2016 Atlantic 10 Field Hockey Championship. The top-seeded Hawks will face an as-yet-undetermined opponent on Friday morning, November 4, at 11:00 a.m. at VCU's Cary Street Field. Information on the tournament bracket and ticketing will be updated at SJUHawks.com as it is announced.
