University of Richmond Athletics
University of Richmond
Saint Joseph's
Last-Second Goal Sinks Spiders In A-10 Semifinals
04/24/2009 | Women's Lacrosse
April 24, 2009
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -
Saint Joseph's scored the game-winning goal as time expired to knock off the Spiders, 11-10 in the semifinal round of the A-10 Tournament Friday afternoon at Geasey Field. Senior Mandy Friend ended her decorated career with a team-high five goals.
Saint Joseph's had the ball with less than a minute to play, waiting to set up its final shot. The Spiders regained possession on a Hawks' foul with seven seconds left. Saint Joseph's retook control after causing a Spider turnover with five seconds left. Freshman Jen Peters netted the game winner with zero seconds left.
"I'm very proud of our team's conference play this season," said coach Allison Nuzzi. "Of course this wasn't the outcome we wanted, but our seniors showed tremendous leadership. They've left behind so much."
Richmond held a comfortable 10-5 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the second half before Saint Joseph's started its surge. The Hawks rallied back with five goals in the following six minutes of play, knotting the score at 10-all with 5:58 remaining.
The Hawks recorded key draw control possessions in the last five minutes of play that set up their offensive attack. Saint Joseph's won the draw control battle by a 13-8 margin.
"We struggled with draw control," said Nuzzi. "We really lost out on some crucial possessions at the end of the game. Saint Joseph's was deliberate in its attack and we weren't able to execute. Overall, I'm proud of the fight this team has shown in the times of adversity."
The first half was all Richmond, as the Spiders led 6-3, with four goals coming from Friend. Friend ended her career at Richmond as the all-time leading scorer with 250 goals. Friend was selected to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference first team every year she was a Spider, and is a three-time All-American.
Senior Allison Furstenburg followed Friend with two goals and one assist. Furstenburg ends her career as the Spiders' top scorer, assist leader and points leader this season. Furstenburg is a two-time A-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and was A-10 Player of the Week twice this season. Furstenburg joined Friend on the 2009 All-Conference First Team.
