Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Virginia Commonwealth
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Early Goals Lead Field Hockey by VCU 3-1
September 12, 2010 | Field Hockey
LINKS: Box Score | Updated Stats | Photo Album
PRINCETON (9/12/10) - A pair of goals in the first 10 minutes lifted the fifth-ranked Princeton field hockey team to a 3-1 win over Virginia Commonwealth on Sunday afternoon at Class of '52 Stadium.
The Tigers got off to a quick start in the win and then withstood a VCU push in the second to open the season 3-0. Princeton went ahead in the game's fourth minute when as sophomore Michelle Cesan notched her first goal of the season on a penalty stroke just after a shot from junior Kathleen Sharkey hit a foot in the VCU circle following a penalty corner insert.
Princeton continued to pressure the Rams in the early going and in the 10th minute converted on its next penalty corner try. This time it was Sharkey that found the back of the cage with her 10th goal of the season as her blast came with assists from senior Alexandra Douwes and sophomore Julia Reinprecht.
Princeton completed its scoring when senior Katherine Cape redirected a Sharkey shot with 23:05 gone in the first half for her second goal of the season. Princeton outshot VCU 15-4 in the first half and entered the intermission with a 3-0 lead.
VCU regrouped and got off to a good start in the second half, scoring to move within two goals when Meg Neylon converted seven minutes into the half. VCU continued to pressure and managed seven shots and three corners in the second half, but the Tiger defense did not allow another goal. Freshman goalkeeper Christina Maida made six saves in the game and two in the final half to ensure the win.
Princeton would again pick up the pace and pressure VCU but the Tigers were unable to score again thanks to a six-save performance by VCU goalkeeper Megan Botteri in the second half.
Princeton finished the game with a 25-11 edge in shots and a 15-5 edge in corners.
The Tigers ran their season-opening win streak to three games and will open their Ivy League campaign next Friday night when Dartmouth visits Class of '52 Stadium.