Princeton University Athletics
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Field Hockey Edged at Providence 2-1
September 20, 2009 | Field Hockey
PROVIDENCE (9/20/09) -- The fourth-ranked Princeton field hockey team had its season-opening five-game win streak come to an end on Sunday afternoon with a 2-1 loss at Providence. The Friars scored twice in the second half to erase an early deficit despite being outshot 22-7 by the Tigers.
The Tigers controlled play territorially for much of the game but struggled to crack Providence goalkeeper Rachel Chamberlain. Princeton took 12 shots to Providence's three in the opening half and it wasn't until a penalty corner with 10 seconds left in the half that Princeton was able to get on the scoreboard.
Freshman Michelle Cesan inserted the ball off the corner and snuck to the near post, where she redirected a feed from sophomore Kathleen Sharkey into the open cage for her third goal of the season. Sharkey's assist was her team-leading 19th point.
The Princeton lead did not last long as Providence evened the score at one 1:45 into the second half when Julie Ruggieri scored on a reverse shot high into the cage. The Friars had two more quick shots after the goal, but none was saved and one went wide.
The next 10 shots in the game belonged to Princeton, but the Tigers were unable to convert. Providence countered in the 56th minute when it earned a corner and capitalized on it as Nicole Fernandez scored off of a rebound.
Princeton worked to draw even, earning six corners and three shots over the final 10 minutes of play, but the Friar defense, led by Chamberlain's 12 saves were too strong for Princeton to overcome and Providence held on for the 2-1 win.
Princeton, which entered the game ranked fourth in the Coaches Poll and first in the RPI, fell to 5-1 with the loss, while Providence, unranked entering the game and 14th in the RPI, improved to 3-4. Princeton returns to action on Wednesday night when Penn State visits Class of '52 Stadium.