Cardinals win fifth straight over tough Gettysburg squad

GETTYSBURG, Pa. – The CUA field hockey team remained unbeaten with a 1-0 victory over Gettysburg on Wednesday afternoon as the Cardinals improve to 5-0.  On a day when CUA moved into the womensfieldhockey.com national poll at No. 19, the Cardinals proved they belong among the nation's best with their fifth straight shutout.

CUA has still yet to be scored upon this season, outscoring its opponents a combined 27-0.

"It feels good to beat another quality opponent on the road," CUA head coach Gia Cillizza said following the game.  "We were tough enough to get the job done today.  We made a few mistakes that we need to correct, but overall we did what we needed to do and that's what matters."

The Cardinals were once again dominant across the board on Tuesday, outshooting the Bullets 18-3 and totaling nine penalty corners' to the home team's four.  Krystyanna Ramsdell stopped three shots in the cage for CUA to pick up her fifth win, while Gettysburg keeper Megan Feeg had a busy afternoon, sending back 11 Cardinal shots.

CUA came out aggressive from the start, taking the first six shots of the game, five of which Feeg saved.  "Their goalkeeper played a terrific game," Cillizza mentioned.  "She made a number of great saves."

With seven minutes remaining in the opening half Meredith Chandler unleashed a shot that Feeg sent back, and soon after CUA was awarded a penalty corner.  Emma Dixon worked her way for a shot off the corner, but again Feeg was up to the challenge, sending the teams into halftime tied at zero.

The teams exchanged shots early in the second before CUA was able to break the stalemate.  The scoring play came off a corner when Mary Swarthout tipped in a Caroline Reilly shot at the 40:35 mark and the Cardinals went up 1-0.

CUA continued to apply pressure, out shooting the Bullets 5-1 for the remainder of the game and the defense did what its done all season long and that is keep the opponent off the scoreboard.  The win was the Cardinals first over Gettysburg since 2006.

"Our defense was great once again today," Cillizza said.  "Erin Thomas, Catherine Mirsky and Hannah Closson made a lot of plays back there for us." 

She continued, "Mary (Swarthout) made a great play on her goal, Tracey Scanlon played well today and Caroline (Reilly) really added a big boost."

CUA will return to action on Saturday when the Cardinals host the No. 8 Rowan Profs inside Cardinal Stadium.  Game time is set for 4:30.  "We're really looking forward to playing at home again," Cillizza said.  "It will be nice to be at home, in front of our fans; we're excited about it."