HOBOKEN, N.J. (October 13, 2010) – Freshman Caitlin Chamberlain scored her team-high fifth goal of the season and senior captain Ellyn Griggs blanked her third opponent of 2010 as the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team improved to 6-7 overall with a 1-0 victory over William Paterson University on Wednesday evening at the De Baun Athletic Complex. Chamberlain's goal was setup by a nice play from sophomore Mary Nikish.
Stevens generated the game's first chance when Nikish lifted a shot at Paterson goalkeeper Meghan Trivett (Highlands, N.J.) but the junior made the stop.
After a lot of back and forth over the next 15 minutes, Stevens started to gain control of the game. Chamberlain made several nifty moves in the left seam to create a breakaway, but Trivett was able to stop a pair of attempts on goal to keep the game scoreless with a little under 20 minutes left in the half.
The Ducks continued to press, generating several chances on penalty corners, one of which needed a brilliant defensive save by Pioneer defender Melissa Szeliga (South Plainfield, N.J.).
Stevens was able to record the game-winner in the 27th minute. Nikish dodged a pair of defenders at midfield on the right side to create space and took the ball down to the end line before making a beautiful cross to Chamberlain in front. The Duck freshman controlled, spun, and beat Trivett to her left.
Stevens took that 1-0 lead into the break after outshooting the William Paterson, 12-4, and out-cornering the Pioneers, 4-2.
Paterson controlled possession and field position for 65 percent of the second half but was unable to take a single shot as the Ducks ended the game with a 16-4 advantage. Stevens also ended with a 6-3 edge in corners.
Griggs made two saves to earn the win and the Ducks' “D” was fantastic, limiting any strong chances for the Pioneers (4-9). Sophomore Sam Wiesman, senior Karen Federico, junior Jillian Price, freshman Grace Ridge, freshman Katie Achilles, and junior Mallory Swanson all played well for the Ducks.
Stevens will return to action at conference foe Washington & Jefferson College on Saturday at 10 a.m. Paterson takes on Susquehana University on Saturday at 1 p.m.
