Scarlet Knights Conquer Saint Joseph's, 2-1
Sep 29 | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers snapped a two-game skid, defeating Saint Joseph's, 2-1 in collegiate field hockey play on Friday evening at RU Stadium Complex. With the win, the Scarlet Knights registered their sixth victory of the season which matches the total win total last fall.
"Confidence-wise, this was a win we needed," head coach Liz Tchou said after the game. "We have been so close in so many games and coming into this game we have been working on finishing and I felt we did that tonight."
"We knew coming off last weekend, we had to go in with a lot of enthusiasm and support for each other," senior Caitlin Browne noted after the triumph. "It was great to come back from behind, to be down a goal and have faith in each other that we could pull it together for the win."
The Hawks scored less than five minutes into the game on their second shot of the game. A shot by Brooke Henry was blocked off the shin of RU goalkeeper Leslie Kelly. The rebound bounced to Marisa Pizzi who converted her third goal of the year.
St. Joe's maintained its 1-0 lead and looked to stretch the advantage in the 37th minute when awarded a penalty stroke. The attempt by Mary Beaman was high and went off the top of the cage.
Rutgers used the same opportunity to tie the contest three minutes later. Junior Amy Lewis (Hainesport, N.J.) delivered the tying goal into the left center past Hawks goalie Rebecca Cunfer.
Scarlet Knights forward Jenna Bull had a nice look at the go-ahead score with 14:19 to play but Cunfer made an impressive stop. The eventual game-winner was set by Lewis. The midfielder drew a foul and sent in a long entry from the far left side. Classmate Karen Brewster (Chico, Calif.), camped to the left of the cage, deflected the fast ball off her stick and past Cunfer for the deciding factor.
"I knew I was in the right position because I knew Amy would put the ball where it needed to be," Brewster said after the game. "I think we needed this win. It was well overdue, coming off two losses last weekend. Hopefully, it will be the determining factor rest of season."
The Scarlet Knights posted a 14-7 shot advantage and an 8-0 difference in penalty corners.
Rutgers is back in action on Sunday, September 30, hosting Brown at 12:00 p.m.
