Princeton University Athletics
Controversial Goal Propels No.1 Monachs
August 16, 1999 | Field Hockey
Oct. 25, 1998
PRINCETON, N.J. - After a scoreless first half of end-to-end play, the top-ranked Old Dominion University field hockey team got a crucial-yet-controversial goal from its sophomore captain, Marina DiGiacomo, which helped lead the Monarchs to a 2-0 win over Princeton University.
On a penalty corner, senior Mimi Smith found DiGiacomo eight yards away from the left side of the goal. DiGiacomo, who came into the game with 56 goals over her two-year career, backhanded a shot high into the cage above goalkeeper Meg DeJong (Sr., Tinton Falls, N.J.). Princeton coach Beth Bozman contended that DiGiacomo used a backswing on the shot, which is illegal on the first shot of a penalty corner if the ball goes higher than 18 inches. The officials didn't see it the same way and allowed the goal.
Approximately 13 minutes later, DiGiacomo returned the favor by assisting on Smith's 15th goal of the season. The Tigers managed a few rushes late, but couldn't beat senior Old Dominion keeper Jamie Hill, a Council Rock product. Hill made eight saves, including one on a first-half breakaway by Molly O'Malley (Sr., Tunkhannock, Pa.).
"This game shows that we can win a national championship," Bozman said. "Now that we've won the Ivy title, all other games are to prepare us for the tournament. This was our best performance overall. We've got to make ourselves a little more dangerous inside the circle, but I thought this was a good performance across the board for us."
Princeton will travel to Old Dominion for a meeting with No. 6 North Carolina on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Old Dominion (16-2) 0 2 - 2 Princeton (12-2) 0 0 - 0Scoring - DiGiacomo (Smith) 43:41, Smith (DiGiacomo) 56:37.
Shots - Old Dominion 12, Princeton 13. Corners - Old Dominion 10, Princeton 7.
Saves - Old Dominion: Jamie Hill 6, Princeton: Meg DeJong 5.