Oct. 9, 2009

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Four different players scored on Friday afternoon as the Saint Joseph's field hockey team kicked off its Atlantic 10 slate with an impressive 4-0 win over Temple at Buckley Field. Junior Jen Wrublesky scored what turned out to be the game-winner just under 10 minutes into the game. Senior co-captain Kellie Walter added a goal and an assist in the victory.

"This was big for us," said head coach Michelle Finegan. "It's a great way to start our conference schedule."

Finegan was impressed with her squad's balance as well.

"Having four different players score was important," she said. "Hopefully we can build some momentum to carry into the game [Sunday afternoon] at Rutgers and then into the rest of the A-10 schedule."

Wrublesky got the scoring started for Saint Joseph's (3-7, 1-0 Atlantic 10) 9:47 into the contest as a long pass from Walter came across the arc. Wrublesky was stationed at the right post and tucked the ball into the cage for the early 1-0 lead.

With 10:58 to go in the first half, senior Anne Schreuders sent a long pass across to sophomore Ellen Rowe, who managed to get a shot off as she fell to the turf. The ball beat TU goalkeeper Sarah Dalrymple to the stick side to double the SJU advantage.

Less than five minutes later, Schreuders let fly with a blast off a penalty corner that was saved by Dalrymple. Fortunately for the Crimson and Gray, Walter was ready to smash home the rebound and send the Hawks into the break leading by three.

In the second half, Temple (4-10, 0-1 Atlantic 10) increased its offensive pressure, but the Hawks held firm. SJU continued to press on the offensive end and the effort was rewarded with a penalty stroke for senior co-captain Jenn Schultz. The veteran made the most of her opportunity, sending a laser into the top right corner of the cage with 24:55 remaining in the contest to close the scoring.

Sophomore goalkeeper Kelly Swanick earned her second shutout of the season, making four second-half saves. Dalrymple made nine saves for the Owls.

Saint Joseph's will head to New Brunswick, N.J. on Sunday for a non-conference tilt with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.