Defensive Field Hockey Battle Goes Catholic’s Way, 1-0

HUNTINGDON, Pa.- The Juniata and Catholic field hockey teams faced off on an overcast and dreary day at Knox Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Both teams played a tough defensive game but Catholic was able to score the lone goal of the contest in the second half on its way to a 1-0 win.

The loss drops Juniata to 2-7 overall and 0-2 in the Landmark. Catholic improves to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

Both teams had only one shot each in the first half. Juniata was granted a penalty corner at 11:40 and Kristin Ostrzyzek's (Hope, N.J./Belvidere) shot attempt was turned away by Cardinal goalie Analisa Scott.

The Eagles had a few offensive opportunities early on in the second half but could not convert on them. Sarah Alexander (Mifflinburg, Pa./Mifflinburg) had a good look at a goal at 40:39 but was wide to the right of the cage. Brittani LaFollette's (Baltimore, Md./Sparrows Point) shot attempt just over four minutes later was stopped by Scott.

Catholic was granted a penalty corner with 5:29 left to play in the contest. Marisa Martinelli collected the ball inside the top of the circle and fired a shot to the cage that got past Eagle goaltender Kylie Edwards (Danville, Pa./Danville) for what proved to be the game-winning score.

Edwards had just one save as the Eagles defense limited the Cardinals to four shots all day. Scott came away with three saves for Catholic.

Juniata led in shots 6-4. Penalty corners leaned in Catholic's favor 5-3.

The Eagles go on the road next week to play Keuka College in a non-conference game on Tuesday night. Start time will be at 6:00 p.m.