Posted: Oct 20, 2011
DOVER, Del. – The Salisbury University field hockey team broke the tie atop the Capital Athletic Conference standings as it claimed the lead in the conference after defeating Wesley College, 3-0, on Thursday evening.
Salisbury (14-0, 6-0 CAC) dominated the first 13 minutes of play, taking seven shots and earning three penalty corners while coming away with a goal in the 19th minute off the stick of senior Alison Bloodsworth. Senior Courtney Webster sent a hard shot in from the circle that was deflected by Bloodsworth, to give the Sea Gulls a 1-0 lead.
The Sea Gulls maintained control of the ball, ending the first half with 11 shots and four penalty corners while holding the Wolverines (10-7, 5-1 CAC) to zero shots and penalty corners.
Salisbury carried its offensive momentum into the second half scoring off a penalty corner just three minutes in, as junior Erica Henderson blasted the ball through traffic for her 11th goal of the season.
Wesley pressured the maroon and gold's defense with its first penalty corner in the 45th minute but came away empty. Salisbury quickly transitioned the ball up the field to take four consecutive shots that were turned away by the Wolverines' goalkeeper, Elizabeth Groom.
In the 53rd minute of play, the Wolverines made a goalie change and the Gulls quickly found the back of the boards, two minutes later off a penalty corner. Senior Tara McGovern's initial shot was rebounded by Bloodsworth who sent in her second goal of the game, to bring the score to 3-0.
Salisbury's defense was tested in the last four minutes of play, as Wesley earned three penalty corners but the experience of seniors McGovern, Shannon Hanratty and junior Amber Holland, along with senior goalkeeper Anna Cooke, kept the Wolverines scoreless, earning its eighth shutout of the season.
So far this season, Salisbury has outshot and outscored its competition, 305-70 and 62-6, respectively.
The Sea Gulls return home this Saturday, Oct. 22, for a 2 p.m. contest, as they take on the Bobcats of Frostburg State University in their last regular season home game.
Saturday will mark Senior Day, as the eight seniors will be celebrated, along with Salisbury's second annual "Corners for Cancer" event. The Sea Gulls will sport pink jerseys in the fight against cancer and recommends that the fans wear pink as well. Salisbury will also be collecting donations for every penalty corner opportunity it is awarded throughout the game.