Dialog reporter
WILMINGTON – St. Mark’s defense did a fine job bottling up the Padua offense for most of the first half of the teams’ Catholic Conference field hockey game Oct. 4 at Forbes Field. But the Pandas tallied once before halftime, then once more in the second half in a 2-0 win.
After two early saves off Holly Jones by Spartans keeper Melina Carradin, the teams spent much of the first half in the middle of the field. The Pandas gradually asserted themselves on offense, and with 3:23 remaining until intermission, Katie Buczik knocked in a rebound off a Kathleen Melia shot. Carradin made a few more saves during the scramble in front of the cage, but the Pandas had too many opportunities.
Melia nearly doubled the lead just before halftime, but her shot went wide.
Padua opened the second half exerting much more offensive pressure. Two penalty corners were rebuffed by the Spartans’ defense, and a Buczik shot on a breakaway clanged off a post. Carrradin stoned Niggebrugge on a quality opportunity a short time later.
Melia added the insurance goal at the 13:42 mark. This time, Buczik earned the assist, finding Melia in front one-on-one with the keeper.
Padua (6-1) outshot St. Mark’s, 15-1, and had six penalty corners to the Spartans’ two. Shannon McCormac picked up the shutout, her third of the year. The Pandas are back in action Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. at Wilmington Charter.
The Spartans (2-5) look to end a five-game losing streak on Tuesday against Conrad at Hockessin Montessori School at 3:45 p.m.
