Box Score

MONTCLAIR, N.J. (October 2, 2013) – Stevens Institute of Technology gave top-ranked Montclair State University all it could handle Wednesday, but fell short as the Red Hawks (10-0) snapped the Ducks' five-game-winning streak with a 3-2 victory at Sprague field.
 
Senior Jennifer Tafro (Little Falls, N.J.) put the hosts on top 1-0 in the third minute off of a penalty corner, and 14:11 later freshman Danielle Butrico (South Plainfield, N.J.) put home a rebound for a 2-0 edge.
 
Staring at a deep early hole and big deficits in both shots and corners, Stevens quickly started to fight back. The Ducks were able to slow the Montclair speed, get into the offensive zone, and find their way onto the scoreboard at 18:19 when senior back Megan Traub (Berkeley Heights, N.J.) recorded her sixth goal of the season with a shot from the left side after a penalty corner.
 
The Stevens (6-3) defense tightened up after the Traub tally, and the two teams went into intermission with the scoreboard showing a 2-1 Red Hawk lead.
 
The second period saw each team with chances, and after several close calls, senior forward Rachel Chavez (Oceanport, N.J.) tied the game at two when she scored her fourth of the year thanks to a cross from the right end line off the stick of senior Marguerite Chavez (Oceanport, N.J.). The marker came with 13:25 remaining.
 
After the Chavez goal, Stevens was able to create a pair of quality shots but could not get over the hump, and eventually Montclair scored the game-winner with 9:08 on the clock. Senior Allison Jillions (Hainesport, N.J.) was able to score off the left post after a feed from sophomore Maura Johnston (Montville, N.J.).
 
Stevens was able to generate one last penalty corner and shot in the 66th minute but the bid was blocked by a Montclair defender.
 
MSU ended with 14-7 margin in shots as each team took eight corners. Freshman goalkeeper Emily Stukenborg (Stockholm, N.J.) made eight saves in a strong effort for the Ducks.
 
"Tonight was a great battle," Head Field Hockey Coach Emily Beach (Hoboken, N.J.) said. "Montclair is a very strong team and we played right with them. It was a good preparation game for a big Empire 8 match Saturday."
 
Next up for the Ducks is defending conference champ Utica College on Saturday at the De Baun Athletic Complex as part of Homecoming 2013. Game time is slated for 6 p.m. and all the action will be webcast live at www.Empire8.TV.