Aug. 24, 2012

Box Score

MERION STATION, Pa. - First-half goals from freshman Rachael Brosious and sophomore Jordan Martin helped power the Saint Joseph's field hockey team past Liberty, 2-1, at Ellen Ryan Field on Friday afternoon. Junior Kate Mitchell made four saves, fighting off a late rally by the Flames to preserve the victory in the season opener for both teams.

Saint Joseph's (1-0) dominated the run of play in the first half, outshooting the Flames, 6-3, and earning five penalty corners. With 18:34 to play in the period, sophomore Nicole Gerdes sent a long ball in off a corner that was redirected into the net by Brosious for her first collegiate goal.

Martin then doubled the lead with just under eight minutes to go in the half on a penalty stroke, beating LU goalkeeper Brooke Morley low and to the stick side to give the Hawks a 2-0 advantage.

After the break, Liberty (0-1) had the better of the run of play, but Mitchell made a pair of saves in quick succession after a corner to keep the Flames off the scoreboard.

Abbey Basom finally broke through for Liberty, sending a long shot into the cage with 11:47 remaining to bring the Flames back within one.

In the final minute of the game, with Saint Joseph's down to 10 players due a yellow card penalty, the Flames maintained possession near the Hawk cage; however, the SJU defense held firm and did not allow Liberty a shot, preserving the win.

The Hawks will be back in action on Friday, August 31, when they host crosstown rival Drexel. Game time is set or 3:00 p.m. at Ellen Ryan Field.