Sept. 29, 2007

Box Score

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Saint Joseph's field hockey team saw its four-game winning streak snapped as the Hawks fell, 2-1, to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the RU Stadium Complex on Friday. Junior forward Marisa Pizzi tallied the lone goal for SJU early in the game. Senior goalkeeper Rebecca Cunfer made nine saves in the defeat.

The Hawks (5-5) drew first blood just under five minutes into the game as Rutgers goalkeeper Leslie Kelly saved a shot from senior Brooke Henry but gave up a rebound, allowing Pizzi to put in a shot from the left side. The goal is Pizzi's third of the season, tying her for second the squad. SJU nursed a 1-0 lead throughout the remainder of the first half.

Saint Joseph's had a prime opportunity to double the margin very early in the second half, but Mary Beaman's penalty stroke attempt caught the post, keeping the hosts within one. Rutgers (6-5) received a penalty stoke opportunity of its own, and Amy Lewis put it in the cage to tie the game at a goal apiece. The goal was her 12th of the campaign. RU's Karen Brewster scored her first goal of the season with 8:30 to go in the game to put the Scarlet Knights ahead to stay.

The Hawks fought valiantly throughout the game, staying even with Rutgers throughout the match despite being outshot 14-7. The Scarlet Knights also received eight penalty corner opportunities while Saint Joseph's received zero. Despite the lopsided statistics and a disallowed goal in the second half, the game remained close for the duration.

SJU kicks off conference play next Friday, October 5 with a game at Saint Louis. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m. eastern time.