Field Hockey Shuts Out Simmons in GNAC Opener, 2-0, for Fourth Straight Win

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) field hockey team made history on Saturday afternoon, shutting out Simmons University, 2-0, in its Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) opener at the USJ Field Hockey Field in West Hartford, Conn. The victory marked the program's first-ever win against the Sharks and extended the Blue Jays' winning streak to four games. With the result, USJ improved to 4-1 overall (1-0 GNAC), while Simmons fell to 0-4 (0-1 GNAC).

After a scoreless first quarter, sophomore forward Grace Kociszewski (Thomaston, Conn.) broke through at the 21:57 mark of the second period, finishing off a setup from senior midfielder Ariana Komonaj (Thomaston, Conn.) to give the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead.

The advantage doubled in the third when freshman forward Juliana Meglio (Watertown, Conn.) found the back of the cage at 44:29, assisted by senior forward Aurelia Barker (Thomaston, Conn.).

Defensively, USJ stood tall against heavy Simmons pressure in the second half. Junior goalkeeper Jaci Felix-Hull (East Lyme, Conn.) registered eight saves to secure her first shutout of the season and third of her career, including four saves in both the third and fourth quarters.

Simmons outshot USJ 17-11 and held a 12-1 edge in penalty corners, but the Blue Jays' defensive unit kept the Sharks off the scoreboard. Simmons goalkeeper Trinity Williamson finished with eight saves in the loss.

UP NEXT

The Blue Jays return to action Monday, Sept. 15, with a non-conference matchup at Manhattanville University. Game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. at GoValiants.com Field in Purchase, N.Y.

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