MERION STATION, PA –  The Monmouth University field hockey team fell in its 2018 season opener at No. 18 Saint Joseph's, 5-1, Friday afternoon at Ellen Ryan Field.  Senior Kelly Hanna scored the Hawks' lone goal, while sophomore goalkeeper Gabi Millan finished the afternoon with six saves.

Monmouth got on the board first in the 21st minute on its first shot attempt of the afternoon. Senior Elyssa Okken sent a feed across the front of the cage to Hanna, who tipped it past the Saint Joseph's goalkeeper for the early 1-0 lead.  The home Hawks scored with 27 seconds left to go in the opening half and continued with three goals within the first five minutes of the second half, while adding another tally late to run away with the 5-1 victory. 

NOTES & QUOTES
"I saw some great effort from our freshmen class and we learned a lot of lessons from a talented Saint Joseph's team.  We are looking forward to being back on 'The Cat' on Sunday [against Ohio]." – Head Coach Carli Figlio

- MU, which had won the prior two meetings with the Hawks from Philadelphia, is now 2-2 all-time against Saint Joseph's. 
- Monmouth has faced a ranked opponent in all 12 of Carli Figlio's seasons as head coach and the first time it opened against a ranked team since 2013 (at No. 15 Northeastern). 
- Kelly Hanna, the Hawks leading returning scorer, recorded her 23rd career goal. 
- Elyssa Okken recorded her second career assist. 
- Senior Gab Girardi made her 40th consecutive start in the midfield for the Blue and White.
- Sophomore Hanna Schiavo made her collegiate debut after sitting out last season, earning a start on the defensive line.  Freshmen Annick van Lange and Lotte Boom also earned starts in their first career games, while classmates Katie Yoder, Natalie McNamara and Gabby Salisbury saw time off the bench.
- McNamara was credited with a defensive save. 

NUMBERS CRUNCH
- Saint Joseph's outshot Monmouth 23-1.
- SJU earned 11 attacking corners while not surrendering a defensive corner to the Blue and White.

NEXT UP
Monmouth will host Ohio in its home opener on Sunday, August 26th at noon.  It marks the first meeting between the two sides and will be the first regular season contest on the newly renovated So Sweet A Cat Field.