Field Hockey Flourishes In Program Debut, Wins In 2OT

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) field hockey team made its long-awaited debut on Wednesday afternoon and knocked off Albertus Magnus College (AMC) in double overtime, 1-0, in its program-opening, non-conference match at Celentano Field.

The Blue Jays wasted little time getting after it in their debut match, outshooting the Falcons an astounding 24-0 for the game, but it took two overtime periods to decide a winner. USJ made it happen on a junior-to-freshman combo that sent the visitors into a frenzy. Following a penalty corner in the 74th minute, junior Cayleen DeFaranos (North Branford, Conn.) found freshman midfielder Maya Tomko (Sparta, N.J.), who fired a one-timer quickly into the cage. The game-winner by the rookie marks the program's first-ever goal, in the team's first-ever game.

GAME INFORMATION
Score: Saint Joseph 1, Albertus Magnus 0 (F/2OT)
Records: USJ (1-0), AMC (0-1)
Location: Celentano Field | New Haven, Conn.
Notes: USJ Program Debut

COACH QUOTE [Karen Nell]
"It was quite the roller coaster of emotions, being on the attack the entire game like that and not being able to convert. There were a lot of close calls, but that goal was perfection! I am just so proud of this team. Last week we had five injured players…this week they came back and played hard. We are a young team and have a lot of room to grow, but this one feels great."

GAME NOTES

• The teams were called for a combined 98 fouls (49 each).
• USJ had the dominant edge in penalty corners, 23-0.
• Tomko had a decent look at goal less than a minute earlier, but the shot was saved by AMC junior goalie Mikayla Lyston (Medford, N.Y.).
• Seven different Blue Jays accounted for 15 shots on goal.

NUMBER TO KNOW

0 – The Blue Jays' defense was on-point from start to finish, not allowing the Falcons to get off a single shot in nearly 74 minutes of field hockey action.

GOALIE BREAKDOWN

USJ – It was a comfortable but consistent debut for freshman goalie Abby Delgado (Southington, Conn.), who picked up the win (1-0) in a shutout, going the full 73-plus minutes of game time.

AMC – Lyston did all she could for the Falcons, sending back 14 shots over the course of the contest. She allowed the one goal in double overtime, and was dealt the loss (0-1).

UP NEXT
The Blue Jays will play in their home opener on Saturday, September 4 in a battle with SUNY Morrisville on the USJ Field Hockey Field. The opening whistle is set for 3:00 p.m.

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