University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
(8-7, 3-1)
Saint Joseph's
(7-7, 2-2)
Rodgers' Goal Leads UMass Past St. Joe's, 1-0
October 14, 2007 | Field Hockey
Oct. 14, 2007
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Christine Rodgers (Leominster, Mass.) knocked in a rebound late in the first half and that was all UMass (8-7, 3-1 A-10) needed as they defeated Saint Joseph's (7-7, 2-2), 1-0, in Sunday afternoon's field hockey game at Finnesey Field. It was the first career goal for the sophomore forward. Becky Letourneau (Greenfield, Mass.) made two saves to earn the win in goal. It was also her third conference shutout of the year. Hawks' goalkeeper Rebecca Cunfer made six saves while picking up the loss.
With the victory the Minutewomen move into a three-way tie atop the Atlantic 10 standings. Richmond and Temple are both 3-1 in conference play as well. The last time UMass started A-10 play 3-1 was in 2005. They eventually finished second to Richmond that season.
It was a hard-fought first half, with neither side able to crack the opposing defense. It looked like the contest would be scoreless heading into halftime until the Minutewomen were awarded a free hit in the Hawks' zone in the waning minutes. Following the free hit, Katelyn Orlando (Manchester, Mass.) took a long shot that was blocked by a defender. Rodgers pounced on the rebound and used her reverse stick to beat Cunfer and give UMass the 1-0 lead.
The UMass defense held strong for the remainder of the game. It was their third shutout performance in four conference games. For the season, they lead the league with six games in which they haven't allowed a goal.
Jaime Bourazeris (New Hyde Park, N.Y.) led the Minutewomen with four shots. Fellow freshman Katie Kelly (Dedham, Mass.) added three of her own. For the game UMass outshot the Hawks, 10-7, with shots on goal going the road club's way as well, 7-2.
Saint Joseph's drew seven penalty corners, while UMass drew four.
The Minutewomen travel to Saint Louis to take on the Billikens in a 2 p.m. ET game on Friday. They return home that same weekend to take on the Richmond Spiders at 2 p.m. Sunday. Sunday's contest will be Senior Day at Garber Field.
Team Stats
RODGERS, Christine (1)
long shot, blocked by defender, rebound
32:13
