WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- The Monmouth field hockey squad (0-2) showed signs of cohesiveness despite losing a 1-0 game at the hands of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams (2-0) at So Sweet A Cat Field on Sunday afternoon.

"We came out slow in the first half but were able to pick it up" said Hawks head coach Carli Figlio. "As a team we are leaning from each game and continuing  to take a step forward into the right direction.  We are proud of the way the girls turned the play around and are looking forward the next weekend."

Opening the home season on a sunny afternoon, the Blue and White stayed strong through VCU's flurry of six first half shots that included four saves by sophomore goalie Melissa Katz (Tinton Falls, N.J./Monmouth Regional). But the Rams broke the scoreless tie notching a goal on a corner sister to sister connection from Flore van Dessel to Marle van Dessel 18 minutes into the game, proving to be the game winner.

The Hawks were able to produce three second half corner scoring opportunities, but were unable to convert. The Blue and White, lead by 2007 All-NEC award winner, senior midfielder Molly Passarella (Atco, N.J./Hammonton) gave the Hawks their best scoring opportunity on the afternoon with two shot on goal. Fellow seniors Janine Rini (Millstone, N.J./Allentown) and Enza Mazza (Oceanport, N.J./Shore Regional) each tallied a shot on the day.

Katz played strong between the pipes with seven saves as the Rams held the shooting advantage over the Hawks 12-6. The Rams also held the advantage on corner opportunities on the afternoon 6-3.

Coach Figlio's Hawk squad falls to 0-2 on the season while the Rams remain unbeaten, going 2-0.

The Blue and White will be looking to redeem this close defeat on Saturday, September 6th, for a 4 p.m. battle with Colgate University at home.