University of Massachusets Athletics
Field Hockey Ends Season on High Note
December 02, 1979 | Field Hockey
The University of Massachusetts women's field hockey team has ended the most successful season in UMass history with a fourth place national finish.
The AIAW National Tournament was held in Princeton, New Jersey on November 28 - December 1. UMass, after winning the EAIAW Division I Region 1A Championship, was seeded fourth, and faced Michigan State University in the first round of play at Princeton. The two teams were evenly matched, and UMass edged out a 3-2 victory on a game winning goal by Judy Strong, assisted by Julie McHugh.
UMass next saw action a against top seeded St. Louis University. The Minutewomen dominated play throughout the contest, and upset St. Louis, handing them the first loss of the season, 3-1. UMass' scoring was led by Strong, with two goals, and Laura O'Neil, scoring one goal.
The upset victory over St. Louis moved the UMass stickers into semi-final competition, where they next met Penn State. This exciting contest saw Penn State take an early 1-0 lead in the first half, and add another goal in the early minutes of the second half. But the Minutewomen quickly bounced back on goals by Strong and Laurel Walsh {scored within four minutes of each other) and tied the score 2-2. The regulation game ended with that score, and after two-7} minute overtime periods, the score remained tied at 2. A penalty stroke situation was then needed to determine the winner. Penn State pushed two shots pad-goalie Robin Jennings, and the UMass stickwomen could not score against the fine defensive maneuvers of Penn State goalie Jeanne Fissinger. The contest ended, Penn State 3, UMass 2.
The loss sent UMass into the consolation finals against the University of Maryland. There was no scoring in the first half, but 11 minutes into the second half, Judy Docherty knocked in what turned out to be the only goal the Terrapins from Maryland would need, as the defeated UMass 2-0. The other goal for Maryland was scored by Lynn Frame.
The Minutewomen ended the 1979 season fourth in the nation for the second consecutive year, with an outstanding 19-4-1 record. Sophomore stand-out Judy Strong and senior Laura O'Neil again earned All-America status by being selected to the 1979 Mitchell and Ness All-America team.
About the Archives
This is a digitized version of a press release from the University of Massachusetts archives, before the start of online publication. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, UMass does not alter, edit or update them. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other items. Please send reports of such problems to the appropriate sport contact in the UMass Athletic Communications office.
The AIAW National Tournament was held in Princeton, New Jersey on November 28 - December 1. UMass, after winning the EAIAW Division I Region 1A Championship, was seeded fourth, and faced Michigan State University in the first round of play at Princeton. The two teams were evenly matched, and UMass edged out a 3-2 victory on a game winning goal by Judy Strong, assisted by Julie McHugh.
UMass next saw action a against top seeded St. Louis University. The Minutewomen dominated play throughout the contest, and upset St. Louis, handing them the first loss of the season, 3-1. UMass' scoring was led by Strong, with two goals, and Laura O'Neil, scoring one goal.
The upset victory over St. Louis moved the UMass stickers into semi-final competition, where they next met Penn State. This exciting contest saw Penn State take an early 1-0 lead in the first half, and add another goal in the early minutes of the second half. But the Minutewomen quickly bounced back on goals by Strong and Laurel Walsh {scored within four minutes of each other) and tied the score 2-2. The regulation game ended with that score, and after two-7} minute overtime periods, the score remained tied at 2. A penalty stroke situation was then needed to determine the winner. Penn State pushed two shots pad-goalie Robin Jennings, and the UMass stickwomen could not score against the fine defensive maneuvers of Penn State goalie Jeanne Fissinger. The contest ended, Penn State 3, UMass 2.
The loss sent UMass into the consolation finals against the University of Maryland. There was no scoring in the first half, but 11 minutes into the second half, Judy Docherty knocked in what turned out to be the only goal the Terrapins from Maryland would need, as the defeated UMass 2-0. The other goal for Maryland was scored by Lynn Frame.
The Minutewomen ended the 1979 season fourth in the nation for the second consecutive year, with an outstanding 19-4-1 record. Sophomore stand-out Judy Strong and senior Laura O'Neil again earned All-America status by being selected to the 1979 Mitchell and Ness All-America team.
About the Archives
This is a digitized version of a press release from the University of Massachusetts archives, before the start of online publication. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, UMass does not alter, edit or update them. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other items. Please send reports of such problems to the appropriate sport contact in the UMass Athletic Communications office.
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