Box Score LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Liz Bergman scored with 4:21 remaining in the game to give the Sacred Heart University field hockey team a 1-0 victory over Siena in MACC competition on Friday afternoon. With the victory, the Pioneers (8-7) move to 2-1 in conference play and have now won eight games in a season for the first time since 2007.
Bergman's goal came from the top of the circle after she controlled the ball and brought it just inside the shooting area. She then sent her shot high into the top corner of the net to give the Pioneers the 1-0 advantage. It was the senior's second game-winning goal of the season as she now has scored three times on the year. Siena would pull their goalie in an attempt to tie the game late but they were not able to record a shot in the final four minutes.
Just six minutes earlier Siena had their greatest opportunity to break the scoreless tie denied by Mary Altepeter. She was able to get a piece of Ashley Dona's shot to keep the score 0-0 and set up Bergman's game winner.
Siena (0-13, 0-3 MAAC) had the first major opportunity of second period as Katherine Bowie had her shot from close range blocked in the 38th minute. The next two chances were also produced by the Saints as Megan Bohse sent shots just wide in the 40th and 42nd minute. The Pioneers best opportunity to break the scoreless tie came in the 50th minute as Danielle Gallagher drove down the middle of the field and sent the ball into the circle. Christine Mace got her stick to it but Mary Drabich went to the ground to record the save.
Most of the possession in the first half was kept to the midfield as each team only attempted one shot, each of which were on net. Sacred Heart had the first opportunity as Drabich saved a Bergman effort after a penalty corner in fifth minute. Siena's only shot of the half came five minutes later as Mary Altepeter denied a Bohse shot.
Both goalies recorded two saves for the game as Siena narrowly outshot the Pioneers, 5-4. Seven of those nine shots came in the second half. SHU held the narrow edge in penalty corners, 4-3.
Sacred Heart will return to Campus Field on Sunday for its last home game of the 2014 season as they host Rider at 3 pm in a MAAC contest. SHU will honor its three seniors, Kylee Lowndes, Liz Bergman, and Sarah Bergman, in a ceremony before the game as they play their last home game ofthe Pioneer career.
