HAWKS RALLY TO DEFEAT PENN, 3-2
PHILADELPHIA, PA (09/7/01) - The Saint Joseph's University field hockey team (2-1) rallied from a two-goal first half deficit to down its cross-town rival the University of Pennsylvania (0-1) 3-2 in a thriller on Finnesey Field. A pair of goals by juniors Erica Rossi and Kathy Sokalski, just 44 seconds apart, mid-way through the second half gave the Hawks the win.
While the flurry of goals midway through the second period provided the difference, the game's momentum swung in SJU's favor late in the first half.
Already leading 2-0, the Quakers were awarded a stroke with 3:25 remaining in the first half. The Quaker player lifted the shot toward the upper left corner of the cage, but SJU netminder Lauren Bradley dove to her right and swatted the shot aside. Energized by the stop the Hawks picked up the offensive pressure. Sophomore Amie Schmoltze then put the hosts on the score board with 1:31 to play before halftime. Relentless, Schmoltze muscled past two defenders and then wound up and blasted a shot just inside the far post. Penn led at intermission, 2-1.
"The stroke save and the goal at the end of the first half really changed the momentum," said Hawk Head Coach Joan Broderick. "It was one of those game's where the god's of hockey must have been looking don on us...In the end I think that our athleticism was the difference."
In the second stanza, the pace of play picked up dramatically, but neither team was able to set up any quality scoring chances. Finally, Erica Rossi was in the right place at the right time for SJU. Following a free hit, junior Aly Dankovitch slotted a ball on goal. A scrum ensued in front of the cage and freshman Angela Hanna touched the ball to Rossi, who slipped it home.
Just 44 seconds later, SJU turned the trick again. This time Sokalski emerged from a mad scramble in front of the Penn goal and tipped home the game-winner. The marker was the third of the season for Sokalski and her second straight game-winning goal.
UP scored both of its goals in the first half. Maria Karas knocked home the first goal at the 26:51 mark and then Kylee Jakoboski poked home a pass from Colleen Connors on a penalty corner. Mandy Doherty also gained an assist on the play.
"Penn played a tremendous game," added Broderick. "You have to give them credit, they really took it too us."
Bradley turned in anther solid effort in the cage, stopping 6 shots, including the key stroke. Her counterpart EMily Fox had 3 saves for Penn.
SJU returns to action on Sunday, when the Hawks travel to Collegevill, Pa. to meet Ursinus at 1:00. The Hawks have won two in a row from the Bears, including last year's meeting, 1-0, on Finnesey Field
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