For The Dialog
WILMINGTON – The St. Mark’s defense was key in its 2-1 field hockey win over fifth-ranked Ursuline Raiders on Oct. 27.
Despite the Raiders having five penalty corners in the first half, the Spartans got the lone goal by Megan Noonan. The Spartans didn’t allow a first-half shot as the defense played outstanding despite the Raiders’ advantage with the penalty corners.
The second half saw the Spartans’ offense getting most of the early chances, and Kendra Schweizer had a great chance to give the Spartans a two-goal lead. She missed just wide on a penalty stroke. Three minutes later the Spartans did extend their lead to two as Lauren Pala knocked home a perfect pass from Clare Estes.
The Raiders responded and scored seven minutes later as Juliana Copeman cut it to 2-1. The Raiders would get five more penalty corners in the last 15 minutes but could not get anything past the Spartans’ defense.
The Spartans (7-6) outshot the Raiders, 8-2, despite the difference in penalty corners. They host Padua on Monday at 3:45 p.m. The Raiders (9-4) play Padua next as well, this one on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Rullo Stadium at the University of Delaware as part of the Turf Bowl.
