Field Hockey Defeats No. 14 Delaware, Clinches Berth in CAA Championships

Friday, October 30

Buckley Field

7:00

Drexel University

(7-10, 3-2CAA)

Delaware

(13-5, 3-2CAA)

Delaware

Drexel

Photo by: Greg Carroccio

Field Hockey Defeats No. 14 Delaware, Clinches Berth in CAA Championships

10/30/2015 8:38:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA – The Drexel field hockey team (7-10, 3-2 CAA) defeated the No. 14 Delaware Blue Hens (13-5, 3-2 CAA) on Friday evening, 2-1, clinching a berth in the CAA Championships next weekend.

The Dragons got on the board first when senior Lauren Hibshman converted a penalty stroke to put Drexel ahead, 1-0, about 10 minutes into the contest. It came as the senior's fourth goal, all via penalty stroke. Hibshman ranks tied for third on the team with 10 points.

Drexel held onto the 1-0 lead up until halftime. Delaware got its fair share of offensive chances in the opening period, taking nine shots, five of which were saved by Dragon goalkeeper Ainslie Rhoads (W, 3-7). Rhoads ended up with seven saves on the night.

The Blue Hens scored an equalizer less than a minute into the second period to tie the game up at 1-1. Michaela Patzner scored on a shot from close range after Esmee Peet set her up with a pass from the goal line.

Over 20 minutes went by until the next goal.

With less than 14 minutes to play, Drexel took a 2-1 lead on a goal by junior Jessica McCarthy. After the Delaware goalkeeper came out to defend an opportunity by freshman Rebecca Weinstick, McCarthy gained possession and scooped a shot from just inside of the circle. With the Blue Hen goalkeeper sprawled out on the ground, the ball rose a couple feet higher than the top of the cage before rattling into the top right corner for the score.

The goal came as the fifth of the season for McCarthy and the game-winner as Drexel defeated No. 14 Delaware to earn a berth into the CAA Championships. She now is tied for the team lead with 12 points.

Drexel led penalty corners, 6-3, as Delaware led shots, 13-9.

The Dragons will now host the Towson Tigers on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. from Buckley Field. Before the game, Drexel will be recognizing its four seniors: Danielle Grassi, Lauren Hibshman, Jenna Knouse and Mary Lynam.