University of Richmond
Saint Joseph's
Field Hockey Improves To 2-0 In A-10 Play With 3-2 Win Over Saint Joseph's
10/07/2007 | Field Hockey
Oct. 7, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Sophomore Adrian Pickar scored two goals as the Richmond field hockey team defeated Saint Joseph's 3-2 Sunday to improve to 2-0 in conference play.
The Spiders, who have now won 44-straight games against Atlantic 10 opponents, completed a weekend sweep of Temple and the Hawks, two teams that are receiving votes for the NFHCA Top-20 Poll.
Sophomore Sarah Blythe-Wood scored what proved to be the game-winning goal 1:51 into the second half on an assist from sophomore Jess Weidner.
"We made another step towards our A-10 conference goals today," Richmond head coach Gina Lucido said. "St. Joe's had no let up and forced us to earn every bit of success. I credit our defensive unit, Becca Weaver, Tara Kelly, Erin Arthur and Michelle Weaver for outstanding play. They were the force behind our victory today. Becky White and Tori Whitcher made big defensive plays in the midfield that fueled the team in crucial second half play."
Pickar put the Spiders on the board 18:01 into the game with an unassisted goal. Saint Joseph's (6-6, 1-1 Atlantic 10) tied the game five minutes later when Anne Schreuders tipped a pass over Richmond goalkeeper Becca Weaver (6 saves) and Theresa Barbati put it in the cage.
Pickar struck again with 5:31 left in the first half when she took a crossing pass from freshman Sara Reese and beat a diving keeper. It was Pickar's third goal in two conference game.
"On the attacking front, Adrian Pickar carried our team to victory through her passionate play," Lucido said. "I know more is to come from her as we build our attacking style."
Blythe-Wood made it 3-1 less than two minutes into the second half off a pass from Weidner.
The Hawks cut that lead to 3-2 with a goal by Kellie Walter in the 59th minute, but the Spiders held on for the win.
"I am pleased we have begun conference play with success, but humility and hard work are the keystones to future success," Lucido said. "We fear no opponent, but have total respect for the competition that awaits us."
The Spiders return home to Crenshaw Field for the first time in over a month, when they host West Chester on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
