Drexel University
Hofstra
Drexel, Mastropaolo Too Much for Hofstra in 5-1 Victory
9/28/2008 2:44:35 PM | Field Hockey
Hempstead, N.Y. - The Drexel field hockey team won its Colonial Athletic Association opener 5-1 at Hofstra. The Drexel offense was again the story as the Dragons piled up five goals, including three from sophomore Christina Mastropaolo, against the Pride's defense and is now averaging four goals a game over the last four games, all Drexel victories. The defense chipped in as well, holding Hofstra to less than two goals for the first time all season. The win moved Drexel's record to 8-2 overall and 1-0 in the CAA while Hofstra dropped to 5-2 overall and 0-1 in CAA play.
Drexel got on the board first as Susan Ciufo wasted little time extending her goal scoring streak to eight games. Less than 11 minutes into the contest, the sophomore forward took a Jordan Freese pass and scored her 11th goal of the season to stake the Dragons to a 1-0 lead. Brit Blankmeyer answered a little over 20 minutes later with a goal for the Pride to tie the game, 1-1, heading into halftime.
In the second half, Mastropaolo notched her first goal eight and a half minutes into the period with score off a rebound. Fifteen minutes later, Elizabeth Koch stole the ball headed toward the goal. She sent a pass across the middle toward Ciufo but the ball instead found a diving Mastropaolo who touch the ball into the cage. Just two minutes later, Amanda Kicera sent a pass to Mastropaolo who sealed the hat trick to give Drexel a 4-1 lead. Freshman Ashley Santee capped the scoring when she deflected a reverse shot by Carolina Gibernau high into the cage for her first career goal.
Colleen McAndrew made three saves for Drexel as she held an opponent to one goal or fewer for the eighth time in 10 games this season. The Dragons outshot Hofstra, 20-8, including nine shots from Mastropaolo. Drexel earned seven penalty corners to Hofstra's three.
Drexel will return to the field on October 3 for a conference showdown with No. 7 James Madison on the road. Game time is 6:00 p.m.
