FIRMSTONE'S GOAL LIFTS MUFH PAST RUTGERS, 2-1

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Morganne Firmstone (Honesdale, Pa./Honesdale) scored in the 46th minute to push the Monmouth University field hockey team past in-state rival Rutgers University, 2-1, Sunday afternoon at the Bauer Track & Field Complex. The Hawks, who have won their fourth-straight contest, improve to 5-3 on the season, while Rutgers falls to 1-6 on the year.

The game also marked the second consecutive season that Monmouth and Rutgers teamed up to "Stick it to Cancer", raising over $3,000 towards cancer research the past two years.

"Today's game was a great battle between two great New Jersey teams," said head coach Carli Figlio. "We were able to convert corner opportunities and it made a difference for us in the end. Teresa Mathews held the Rutgers attack off and played a solid game in cage for us."

Figlio added, "It is also a special day to play the 'Stick it to Cancer' game with Rutgers for the second season. It means so much for us as a program to raise money for an important cause that affects everyone in one way or another."

After RU's Carlie Rouch tied the game four minutes into the second half, Monmouth responded with what proved to be the game-winner five minutes later off a penalty corner opportunity. Firmstone inserted the ball to Alex Carroll (Oceanport, N.J./Shore Regional) along the left side of the circle. The sophomore sent the ball back to Firmstone along the baseline who fired a shot past the Scarlet Knight's goalkeeper, Sarah Stuby, for her fourth goal of the season.

Monmouth recorded the lone goal of the first half, which came 18:30 into the contest, as sophomore Michelle Pieczynski (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West) deflected a shot from Carroll for her fifth score of the season.

The Hawks' sophomore goalkeeper Teresa Mathews (Lumberton, N.J. (Rancocas Valley) turned away eight shots for her fifth win of the season, while senior Melissa Murphy (West Long Branch, N.J./Shore Regional) and junior Nicole Manziano (Monroe Township, N.J./Monroe Township) each registered a defensive save. Stuby made five saves in the loss for RU.

The Scarlet Knights outshot the Hawks, 18-7, and controlled the penalty corners, 13-6.

Monmouth returns to action this Wednesday, September 21st, for a non-conference battle at Delaware at 7:00 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#21 Morganne Firmstone: M; 5' 6"; Freshman

#23 Melissa Murphy: D; 5' 2"; Freshman

#1 Nicole Manziano: D; 5' 3"; Freshman

#8 Michelle Pieczynski: F; 5' 9"; Freshman

#13 Alex Carroll: D; 5' 2"; Freshman

#96 Teresa Mathews: GK; 5' 1"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#21 Morganne Firmstone
: 5' 6"; Freshman
: M

#23 Melissa Murphy
: 5' 2"; Freshman
: D

#1 Nicole Manziano
: 5' 3"; Freshman
: D

#8 Michelle Pieczynski
: 5' 9"; Freshman
: F

#13 Alex Carroll
: 5' 2"; Freshman
: D

#96 Teresa Mathews
: 5' 1"; Freshman
: GK