Boxscore

NEWARK, Del. -- he University of Delaware field hockey team battled tough against Saint Joseph's, but a late goal by Anne Schreuders lifted the Hawks to a 1-0 non-conference victory at Rullo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Goalie Nikki Rhoades (at right) had another strong day in the cage for the Hens, posting four saves in 70 minutes of action. The senior standout has now allowed two goals or less in five of the team's seven contests this season.

During the first half, the defenses dominated. Although Delaware out-shot Saint Joseph's by a 5-3 margin, neither team found the net. Hawks' goalie Kelly Swanick was especially strong, recording three saves, including two in a span of just over 30 seconds, during the opening period.

After halftime, both teams recorded a shot in the early going, but neither squad could light up the scoreboard. Eventually, with less than 20 minutes left in the contest, the Hawks mounted the only successful attack of the game.

Schreuders, a junior midfielder, ripped a shot from the right corner. Although Rhoades batted away that attempt, Schreuders made a spectacular play at the side of the net. Diving head-first towards the goal, she handled her own rebound and fired a successful shot in one motion to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.

Following the play, Schreuders had to be helped off the field but her efforts proved to be worth it as her goal stood as the game-winner.

Although Delaware attempted to tie the game with a late onslaught, it was unsuccessful. The Hens fired six shots in the last 12 minutes of action, including three in a row by sophomore captain Florence Sijbrandij. Despite the surge, Saint Joseph's was up to the challenge, shutting down every attack.

Delaware held advantages in both shots and penalty corners during the game, but Swanick finished the contest with seven saves to record her third shutout of the season for the Hawks.

The game pitted former Blue Hen teammates against each other on the sidelines. SJU head coach Michelle Finegan was a standout back for Delaware from 1978-81. During the 1980 campaign, she and Carol Miller helped the Hens capture a third-place finish in the AIAW National Tournament.

Delaware returns to action on Friday when the team opens up Colonial Athletic Association action by hosting No. 7 James Madison, the two-time defending CAA champions, at 7 p.m.