Drexel University
Temple
Ciufo Scores Two as Dragons Stun Temple, 4-1
9/24/2008 5:38:28 PM | Field Hockey
Philadelphia - The Drexel field hockey team showcased its high-powered offense once again as the Dragons posted four goals, including a pair by sophomore Susan Ciufo, in defeating Temple, 4-1. The win vaulted Drexel to a 7-2 record as the Dragons enter Colonial Athletic Association action. The win avenged a double-overtime defeat to Temple last season.
The Dragons, as has been the norm this season, scored early in the game as Sofia Sanguinetti sent a ball into the arc after a broken penalty corner where Amanda Kicera fired a one-timer into the cage. Less than 10 minutes into the game, Drexel tallied again as the Dragons broke away on a two-on-none as Christina Mastropaolo dribbled into the right side of the arc with Ciufo racing in from the left. As Mastropaolo charged the cage, she drew the goalie off of her line before sending a quick pass across to Ciufo who deposited the ball into the empty cage.
After taking the 2-0 lead into halftime, the Dragons did not stop applying pressure to the Temple defense. Just three minutes into the second stanza, Jordan Freese sent a penalty corner to Carolina Gibernau who settled the ball for Kim Tunell. The sophomore midfielder slid the ball to her left where Jennifer Bolger blasted a shot to the center of the cage where a Temple defender attempted to save the ball but deflected the ball high into the net. Five minutes later, Mastropaolo checked into the game and immediately took off toward the Temple goal. Gibernau stopped the streaking forward and send a perfect pass from the Drexel half of the field to Mastropaolo's stick. Mastropaolo dribbled into the arc where Temple goalie Erin Hanshue came charging out to break up the play. The ball was separated from Mastropaolo, but a hustling Ciufo came into the play to pick up the loose ball and calmly fire a reverse shot that eluded two retreating Temple defenders and found the cage. Ciufo's goal was her 10th of the season. It is the most goals scored by a Drexel player since 2002 when Kristina Backenstose notched 12. Ciufo has scored at least one goal in each of the last seven games and has recorded at least one point in every game this season. Temple scored a late goal on a penalty corner to cap the game's scoring.
The Dragons outshot Temple, 12-6, and earned six penalty corners to the Owls' five. Colleen McAndrew made three saves in earning the victory. The senior has allowed one goal or less in seven of Drexel's nine games this season.
The Dragons will open CAA action at Hofstra on Sunday, Sept. 28 at 1:00 p.m. The game will be a rematch of Drexel's thrilling 4-3 victory in the CAA Quarterfinals last season.
