Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
Saint Joseph's
Dragons' Unbeaten Streak Halted by Saint Joseph's
9/14/2006 10:51:56 AM | Field Hockey
Philadelphia – Drexel Field Hockey dropped its first game of the season, 2-0, to Saint Joseph's in a non-conference game at Buckley Field. The Hawks held the nation's most prolific offense scoreless to bump their record to 4-2 while the Dragons fell to 5-1.
A well played first half saw both teams with opportunities to score. Within the first two minutes, Drexel had tested Hawks' goalie Rebecca Cunfer with two shots on goal, but she turned them both away. The Dragons maintained pressure throughout the first ten minutes but were unable to break through. Saint Joseph's began to counterattack and earned opportunities on offense as well. With the half winding down, the Hawks were able to engineer a breakaway on a counterattack as Brooke Henry found herself alone with Drexel goalie Colleen McAndrew (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom). McAndrew charged Henry and was whistled for an infraction as the Hawks were awarded a penalty stroke with just nine seconds in the opening half. Freshman Mary Beaman sent the ball to the left pipe where it ricocheted past a diving McAndrew and into the back of the cage.
With Drexel looking for the equalizer in the second half, Saint Joseph's again sought opportunities on the offensive end. Drexel's offense kept the pressure on the Hawks' defense throughout the second period but Cunfer was up to the task. The Dragons generated seven penalty corners in the second half and 12 in the game but were unable to convert. Drexel entered the game second in the nation in penalty corners per game at 10 and had scored five of its last six goals on penalty corner situations. With less than 11 minutes remaining, Saint Joseph's scored its second goal of the game when Marisa Pizzi finished a Lauren Luft shot that got past McAndrew.
For the game, Drexel outshot the Hawks, 14-12. Cunfer made eight saves in securing the shutout while McAndrew made five for the Dragons. Cassie Prentiss (Nanticoke, Pa./Nanticoke) and Heather Bloemker (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks East) each recorded a defensive save for Drexel in the contest.
Drexel will head to Lewisburg, Pa. to take on Bucknell on Friday, Sept. 15. Game time is 7 p.m.
