Drexel University
Villanova
Dragons Solve Villanova Defense to Win, 3-1
9/10/2008 11:23:36 PM | Field Hockey
The Drexel field hockey team defeated Villanova, 3-1, in a non-conference game played at Villanova Stadium. The Wildcats entered the game undefeated having not surrendered a goal in four games in 2008. The win moved Drexel's record to 4-1 and was the Dragons' third of the season against an opponent who received votes in the NFHCA National Poll.
Less than six minutes into the game, Drexel sent a long ball into the arc that was deflected by Jordan Freese (Allentown, N.J./Allentown) past the goalie as the ball headed toward the end line. She raced to save the ball and sent a pass across the crease where Jen Cairone (Medford, N.J./Shawnee) put the ball in the empty cage. Less than two minutes later, Drexel earned its first penalty corner. On the corner, Kim Tunell (Wilmington, Del./Concord) slid the ball to her left where Jennifer Bolger (Berlin, N.J./Eastern Regional) sent a shot in that was collected by Amanda Kicera (Lititz, Pa./Manheim Township) in front and fired a shot of her own into the cage. Villanova finally answered when Dana Ramsden took a shot straight off a penalty corner that was just saved by the right toe of Colleen McAndrew (Bethlehem, Pa./Freedom). Villanova's Emily Donaldson, who took the corner, was right there for the rebound and fired a shot from the left post that was saved by McAndrew, but Donaldson's second shot found the back of the cage.
With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, Carolina Gibernau (Montevideo, Uruguay/Universidad de la Republica) stole the ball near midfield and raced toward the Villanova goal. Gibernau sent the ball to the left where Susan Ciufo (Bangor, Pa./Bangor) touched the ball once then rifled a shot that went just inside the right post to secure the win..
McAndrew made six saves in earning the victory. The four-year starter has allowed one goal or less in four of Drexel's five games. McCormick made six saves in absorbing her first loss of the season. The Wildcats outshot Drexel, 11-10, and earned eight corners to the Dragons' three.
For their next game, the Dragons will travel to Durham, N.C. for a showdown with No. 6 Duke.
