University of Louisville
Drexel
Drexel Edges No. 20 Field Hockey 2-1
October 16, 2011 | Field Hockey
Oct. 16, 2011
PHILADELPHIA - - Host Drexel defeated the No. 20 University of Louisville field hockey team 2-1 Sunday.
The teams played through a scoreless game until Drexel (10-5) broke through with two minutes left in the first half. Ashley Santee broke through the Cardinal defense, but Louisville goalkeeper junior Erin Conrad charged to the top of circle and deflected Santee's shot away from the cage. Elise DiDonato gained possession of the loose ball and passed to Christina Conrad for the goal.
The Cardinals earned a quick penalty corner as time expired, but Drexel held onto the 1-0 lead as freshman Dominique Pasqualichio's shot was blocked. Drexel outshot Louisville 9-8 in the first half while the Cards held a 3-2 edge in corners.
The Dragons extended their lead to 2-0 at the 47:25 mark in the game. Mariel Marinelli received the ball at the Cardinals' end line and sent a cross to Elizabeth Koch who powered the ball into the cage.
The Cardinals quickly answered 30 seconds later when senior Caitlin Collins shot the ball into the right side of the cage from the top of the circle to pull her team within one goal.
Louisville drew two more penalty corners in the final 10 minutes of play, but Drexel prevailed for the 2-1 final.
Drexel held a 24-12 advantage in shots while the Cards held a 6-5 edge in corners in the game. Conrad (8-7) tied a career-high with 11 saves on the day. Drexel's Kim Chiarelli (10-5) had three stops.
The Cards (8-7, 2-3 BIG EAST) will return home to wrap up BIG EAST Conference play against Providence on Oct. 21. On Sunday, Oct. 23, Louisville will honor seniors Caitlin Collins, Heather Stevens and Hayley Turner in their final regular season home game, a matchup against Indiana.
