Box Score WASHINGTON - The No. 8 Catholic University field hockey team remains undefeated in Landmark Conference action after conquering the Susquehanna University Crusaders 4-0 on Saturday at Cardinal Stadium.
With the win, CUA improves to 13-1 on the year and 6-0 in the league. SU falls to 6-10 overall and 1-5 in the conference.
"It was a great team win for us," said head coach Gia Cillizza. "We had some nice individual performances, but the collective effort got us the win. Whether it was our communication, solid ball movement or effective transitioning. The 27 members of the team who played today connected in the back field, mid-field and up top for us to be successful today."
Rebecca Lukaszczyk scored the first goal of day for Catholic in the 13th minute of the first half. She found the right corner of the cage behind the Susquehanna goalkeeper on a pass from Maura Campbell.
Catholic's Hayley Wright registered the second goal for the Cards, as she finished up a pass from five yards out from Lukaszczyk at the 15:50 mark of the first frame.
CUA's Taylor Elliott became a goal scorer in the 23rd minute. With a clear line of sight, she sent a ball to the left side of the cage. Elliott was assisted by Ellen Thorburn.
With the three goals in the first half, Catholic was ahead 3-0 by halftime.
Maura Campbell finalized the CUA win with an unassisted goal from the top of the circle in the 62nd minute.
For the game, the Cardinals fired 18 shots (11 on goal) and were awarded eight penalty corners, while the Crusaders were held to a mere two shots. Both of Susquehanna's shots were on goal.
"We are really good at maintaining possession," said Cillizza. "During each practice session, there is focus on keeping and regaining possession. So whenever our opponent gain possession or makes a fast break, our midfielders and defenders are great at forcing a team out of bounds or to the far corners of the field and back in our favor."
Analisa Scott and Emma Warden shared goalkeeper responsibilities. Scott maintained the goal for the first 35 minutes of play, while Warden defended the goal in the second half.
Catholic will round out the season on the road, facing No. 2/6 Ursinus (NCAA South Region/NFHCA) on Tuesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. and followed by a conference game at Juniata on Saturday, November 1 at 1 p.m.
"To be the best, you have to play the best and consistently challenge yourself," said Cillizza. "So when I schedule our non-conference portion of the schedule, I want us to be challenged. Facing Ursinus and Juniata will prepare us for the challenges we will face in the remainder of the season."
Note: Catholic is ranked No. 1 in the NCAA South Atlantic Region and No. 8 on the NFHCA Poll.
Juniata is ranked No. 8 in the NCAA South Atlantic Region.
Hayley Wright's goal today was her first goal of the season. Prior to the contest, Gia Cillizza and her staff honored the nine members of the senior class. The class of 2015 is the most decorated group in the history of the program.
"All of the seniors played today and made an impact," said Cillizza. "There are nine of them and to see them all on the field getting a 4-0 shutout is pretty awesome."
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