Drexel University
Delaware
McAndrew's Third Straight CAA Shutout Leads No. 15 Drexel Past Delaware, 3-0
10/31/2008 8:37:17 PM | Field Hockey
Philadelphia - Drexel goalie Colleen McAndrew made six saves in recording her third consecutive Colonial Athletic Association shutout as the Dragons blanked Delaware, 3-0. The win clinched second place and a first-round bye in the CAA Tournament. The Dragons (15-3, 6-1 CAA) have now won seven straight games, the longest streak in program history, while the six conference victories establishes another program best.
The game was tight in the first half though Drexel generated many more chances than visiting Delaware. The Dragons outshot the Blue Hens, 15-5, for the period but Delaware had the best two scoring chances of the half, both on counterattacks. Twice McAndrew faced an oncoming Delaware forward racing in alone with the ball and both times the four-year starter charged the play and cleared the ball. Drexel was unable to convert its offensive chances as the Dragons were held scoreless in the opening half for the first time this season.
Drexel wasted little time in the second half as Carolina Gibernau fired a reverse shot off of a loose ball at the top of the arc that was turned away by the blocker of Delaware goalie Nikki Rhoades. Christina Mastropaolo one-timed the rebound into the cage to put the Dragons on the board less than three minutes into the half. With 15 minutes remaining the Dragons added an insurance goal as a loose ball in front of the cage found the stick of freshman Elizabeth Koch who poked the ball to Susan Ciufo. The sophomore finished the ball in recording her 17th goal of the season and extending her point scoring streak to 18 games, longest in the nation. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, Sofia Sanguinetti rifled a shot that was headed toward the back of the cage until substitute goalie Noelle Diana made a midair blocker save. The rebound bounced to Ciufo who quickly centered the ball to Jen Cairone who deposited it in the cage.
Drexel outshot Delaware, 29-9, for the game and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners. Rhoades made 12 saves in the cage before being replaced by Diana. McAndrew's six saves helped her extended her school record 15 wins in the cage this season.
The Dragons will conclude their regular season as Towson visits Buckley Field on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1:00 p.m. Prior to the game, Drexel seniors Bronwyn Cox, Whitney Enck, Amanda Kicera and Colleen McAndrew will be honored as part of Senior Day festivities.
