Field Hockey Begins BIG EAST Against Rutgers
9/15/2005 4:27:25 PM | Field Hockey
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The field hockey team opens the BIG EAST Conference portion of its schedule at home on Friday, Sept. 16, against Rutgers at 7 p.m. The Orange is coming off a hard-fought 3-2 overtime loss to William & Mary, a team that was ranked No. 18 in this week’s STX/NFHCA Coaches Poll. The Orange picked up eight votes after nearly knocking off the Tribe. Sophomore forward Jessica Lerew scored the game-tying goal with 29 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime.
SU is 2-3 on the season and 1-1 playing at home. Last season, the Orange finished second in the BIG EAST Conference with a 3-2 record.
Rutgers enters the contest with a 4-2 record. The Scarlet Knights are fresh off a 2-1 overtime win against Lafayette. Freshman midfielder Amy Lewis scored both goals in the victory.
SERIES WITH RUTGERS
This is the 18th meeting between Syracuse and Rutgers. The Orange holds an 11-6 advantage in the all-time series, including last year’s 3-1 victory in Piscataway. The Scarlet Knights won a 1-0 decision the last time they visited Coyne Field in 2003.
SULLIVAN NAMED TO BIG EAST HONOR ROLL
For the second-straight week, senior forward Paige Sullivan appeared on the BIG EAST Honor Roll. She has three goals and one assist in SU’s last two outings, including a two-goal effort in the win against Kent State which featued the game-winning goal, her second of the season. Sullivan shares the team lead in points with junior Ashley Fry. Both players have nine points on four goals and one assist. Sullivan has scored 13 goals during her SU career.
Junior forward Ashley Fry netted two goals and an assist in the win against Kent. She increased her career goals total to 10 and her all-time points total to 22. Last season, Fry posted a career-high five goals.
HESS AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN SAVES
Freshman goalkeeper Heather Hess has recorded 35 saves, the 17th-highest total among NCAA Division I goalkeepers so far this season. The rookie made her first collegiate start against Stanford and has posted a 2-2 record in goal since then. Her goals against average stands at 2.50.
SCOUTING RUTGERS
Amy Lewis (two goals), Carrie Grainger (two goals) and Jocelyn Mattina (three assists) lead the team with five points apiece. Rosalyn Wentko is the starting goalie. She owns a 2.18 goals against average and a .720 save percentage.
