WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University field hockey team fell to Temple University, 3-2, Wednesday afternoon on So Sweet A Cat Field. The Owls (2-2) registered the game-winning goal with 2:31 left and the defense spoiled the Hawks' (0-5) penalty corner opportunity with no time remaining in regulation to earn the one-goal victory.
The Owls broke the ice in the third minute as Katie Briglia sent a feed to Amber Youtz who connected on a one-timer past Monmouth's keeper, Teresa Mathews (Lumberton, N.J./Rancocas Valley) for an early 1-0 lead. Nine minutes later, Michelle Pieczynski's (Doylestown, Pa./Central Buck West) shot on goal that was turned away redirected right to sophomore Amanda Schoenfeld (West Sayville, N.Y./Connetquot) who tipped in her first goal of the season, knotting the score at 1-1.
Temple took an advantage into the break as Lauren Hunt connected off a penalty corner in the final minute of the half, but the Hawks evened the score in the 44th minute. Senior Kimmy Baligian (Whitehouse Station, N.J./Hunterdon Central) inserted a penalty corner along the left side to graduate Tara Brown (Hatboro, Pa./Archbishop Wood) who settled the ball and shot towards the far post which was deflected in front by Pieczynski for her fourth goal of the year.
Following a timeout, Alyssa Delp finished off Youtz feed from the right side for the eventual game-winner. The Hawks were awarded a penalty corner with no time left on the clock which was knocked out of the circle by the Owls' defense, preserving the 3-2 victory.
Mathews made nine saves for the Blue and White, while Lizzy Millen turned away seven shots for Temple. Senior Nicole Manziano (Monroe Township, N.J./Monroe Township) recorded her second defensive save of the season.
The Hawks controlled the penalty corners, 13-8, despite being outshot, 22-17.
Monmouth wraps up a four-game homestand this Sunday as it welcomes Virginia Commonwealth to So Sweet A Cat Field at noon.
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