Drexel University
Delaware
Top-Seeded Dragons Stunned by Delaware, 1-0, in CAA Final
11/8/2009 3:11:11 PM | Field Hockey
Box Score
Philadelphia - Drexel dropped a hard-fought 1-0 game to second-seeded Delaware in the Colonial Athletic Association Championship Final played at the Dragons' Buckley Field. Despite a 22-4 advantage in shots, Drexel could not find the back of the cage while Delaware scored just before halftime to pick up the win. The loss snapped a program-best nine-game winning streak and left the team's NCAA Tournament hopes in the hands of the selection committee. Delaware earned the conference's automatic berth as the Blue Hens improved to 14-5 on the season while the 10th-ranked Dragons dropped to 18-3.
Drexel had several early scoring opportunities but the Dragons were thwarted each time by the Blue Hens' defense. Delaware got its first scoring opportunity when substitute Carley Hecht ripped a shot that was turned away by Jenna Phillips' blocker as she dove to her left. Delaware's next opportunity was the final of the half for both teams as Casey Howard sent a pass from the left side to Amanda McCardell who was alone with Phillips in the circle. Phillips began to charge but McCardell flipped her stick and looped the ball over a sliding Phillips and into the cage with just 43 seconds remaining in the period.
The second half saw the Dragons continue to put pressure on the Delaware defense but the Blue Hens were up to the task each time. Delaware's Noelle Diana was outstanding in the cage as she registered 12 saves, including seven in the second half. She became the first goalie in 40 games to shutout Drexel. The last time Drexel was held off the scoreboard was more than two years ago when James Madison's Kelsey Cutchins was perfect in the cage in a CAA Semifinal game on November 3, 2007.
The Dragons earned eight penalty corners in the second half but were unable to convert. For the game, Drexel held a 10-2 advantage in corners. Phillips made two saves for Drexel as she suffered just her third career loss.
Delaware's Casey Howard was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player while Drexel's Susan Ciufo, Carolina Gibernau and Kim Tunell were named to the CAA's All-Tournament Team. For Gibernau it was her third straight appearance on the squad.
The 16-team field and matchups for the 2009 NCAA Field Hockey Championship will be announced on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. on www.ncaasports.com.
