2008 Woodie Awards
Field hockey looks to improve record with game on home turf
Kathleen Radebaugh ’08
Issue date: 9/12/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
"We are just starting to gel."
So said Michelle Finegan, head coach for Saint Joseph's women's field hockey team.
The Hawks will play their third home game of the five-game set on Finnesey Field Wednesday at 7 p.m and look to improve on their 1-3 record.
Facing tough competition early in the season does not scare or upset the Hawks, but challenges them to elevate the level of their play especially in middle field transitions and defense.
This past weekend, St. Joe's lost its home match against nationally ranked James Madison University, 1-0. JMU out-shot the Hawks 9-1 in the opening 35 minutes, proving that Saint Joseph's defense will be a vital asset in the future.
Lead by goalkeeper Rebecca Cunfer, '08, and defenders Katie Young, '08, and Brianne Miller, '08, coach Finegan is excited to see where her veteran players take control of the game and claim some wins. Cunfer had five saves against James Madison.
Offensively, the Hawks are missing two time All-Region selection Nicole Antonini, but Saint Joseph's has fresh legs with Jen Wrublesky, '11, who scored her first career goal late in the second half of the season opener against Hofstra that forced overtime.
Forward Nicole McCreight, '11, shot twice on goal in the last minutes of the game, but Dukes goalkeeper Merel Broekhuizen stopped both shots to maintain lead. Guiding these young starters are returning starters Theresa Barbati, '08, and Marisa Pizzi, '09. Both recorded goals in the 2-1 victory against Penn Quakers, the Hawk's first home win this season.
"With each game, I get more excited for our players because they are starting to communicate better and see each other on the field," said Finegan. "Now its time to finish on the winning side."
Tonight's game against Drexel is a perfect opportunity for Saint Joseph's to improve their current record. Drexel is coming off a 2-0 loss against Lafayette. Drexel struggled with turnovers, enabling Lafayette to control the pace of the game. Unable to convert their own penalty corners, Drexel did have many shots to the goal. Possible scorers to watch include Jennifer Bolger, '10 and Christina Mastropaolo,'10, both scoring in the home opener against St. Francis. Drexel also has a mixed roster with talented freshmen, including Kim Tunell, '11.
Last years game against Drexel on Finnesey was a shutout and after JMU solid defense performance, the Hawks enter the home game with confidence.
"I put the best 11 athletes on the field for every game," said Finegan. "If they are athletically fit and showing improvement, the player's year does not matter."
So said Michelle Finegan, head coach for Saint Joseph's women's field hockey team.
The Hawks will play their third home game of the five-game set on Finnesey Field Wednesday at 7 p.m and look to improve on their 1-3 record.
Facing tough competition early in the season does not scare or upset the Hawks, but challenges them to elevate the level of their play especially in middle field transitions and defense.
This past weekend, St. Joe's lost its home match against nationally ranked James Madison University, 1-0. JMU out-shot the Hawks 9-1 in the opening 35 minutes, proving that Saint Joseph's defense will be a vital asset in the future.
Lead by goalkeeper Rebecca Cunfer, '08, and defenders Katie Young, '08, and Brianne Miller, '08, coach Finegan is excited to see where her veteran players take control of the game and claim some wins. Cunfer had five saves against James Madison.
Offensively, the Hawks are missing two time All-Region selection Nicole Antonini, but Saint Joseph's has fresh legs with Jen Wrublesky, '11, who scored her first career goal late in the second half of the season opener against Hofstra that forced overtime.
Forward Nicole McCreight, '11, shot twice on goal in the last minutes of the game, but Dukes goalkeeper Merel Broekhuizen stopped both shots to maintain lead. Guiding these young starters are returning starters Theresa Barbati, '08, and Marisa Pizzi, '09. Both recorded goals in the 2-1 victory against Penn Quakers, the Hawk's first home win this season.
"With each game, I get more excited for our players because they are starting to communicate better and see each other on the field," said Finegan. "Now its time to finish on the winning side."
Tonight's game against Drexel is a perfect opportunity for Saint Joseph's to improve their current record. Drexel is coming off a 2-0 loss against Lafayette. Drexel struggled with turnovers, enabling Lafayette to control the pace of the game. Unable to convert their own penalty corners, Drexel did have many shots to the goal. Possible scorers to watch include Jennifer Bolger, '10 and Christina Mastropaolo,'10, both scoring in the home opener against St. Francis. Drexel also has a mixed roster with talented freshmen, including Kim Tunell, '11.
Last years game against Drexel on Finnesey was a shutout and after JMU solid defense performance, the Hawks enter the home game with confidence.
"I put the best 11 athletes on the field for every game," said Finegan. "If they are athletically fit and showing improvement, the player's year does not matter."
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