RADNOR, PA – The Cabrini field hockey team evened its record at 6-6 with tonight's hard fought 4-2 victory over Alvernia University at Edith Robb Dixon Field.
Sophomore
Caroline Gallagher recorded her first career hat trick, while senior
Kelly Sweeney netted the eventual game-winner late in the third quarter.
Neither team could secure any rhythm in the opening first quarter, as both combined for just two shots. The Golden Wolves made the most of their limited opportunities, as Hailey Miller found Maria Panettieri to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute.
The Cavaliers found their offense in the second quarter, recording seven shots and four penalty corners, with a flurry of activity coming in the final minutes of the half.
Late in the period, Gallagher evened the score with an unassisted goal, but Alvernia's Felicia Getz answered 90 seconds later to regain its slim lead.
With just seconds to play in the second quarter, Gallagher returned to the score book, leveling the score at 2-2.
Both teams pressed to gain an advantage in the third quarter, but it was the Cavaliers who took advantage of the final shot of the period. Sweeney found the back of the cage in the 42nd minute for her fifth goal of the season and the eventual game-winner.
With 15 minutes to play, the Cavaliers turned to their defense to hold the lead. The effort paid off, as Cabrini held Alvernia without a shot in the final 24 minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, Gallagher sealed the win in the 59th minute, completing the hat trick with her team-leading 10th goal of the season.
The Blue and White finished the night with 15 shots, including eight by Gallagher and three from senior
Allison Martin, while holding the Golden Wolves to just four.
Sophomore netminder
Courtney Keith recorded a solo save to secure the Cabrini victory.
The Cavaliers have little time to enjoy today's nonconference victory, as they will return to Atlantic East action on Wednesday, when they visit Neumann University. The opening whistle is slated for 4pm in Aston, PA.
