April 18, 2008

Final Stats

AMHERST, Mass. - After taking a two-game lead into halftime, UMass notched the first five goals of the final frame en route to a convincing 12-7 win over St. Bonaventure in a vital Atlantic 10 contest on Friday afternoon.

The loss officially eliminates the Bonnies (3-10, 1-5 A-10) from earning a berth into the A-10 Tournament, stopping a streak of two consecutive postseason appearances. On the flipside, the Minutewomen improve to 4-2 league play and clinch a spot in conference's four-team tournament field.

The team statistics told the story of the game as UMass doubled up the Brown and White in shots (33-14) and draw controls (14-7). The other telling stat came in the form of 37 St. Bonaventure fouls that led to five Minutewomen free position goals.

Freshman Christine Hanley upped her season goal total to 20 with her second trick of the season. Sophomore Patty Nessle notched her 10th multi-goal game of the season, including fifth in league play. Senior Kimberly Ross finished with two points on a goal and one assist, while sophomore Molly Hastrich accounted for the other score.

Goalie Eboni Preston continued her strong play in cage, but was overwhelmed by 33 UMass shots. For the 10th time this season, Preston stopped double figure shots with 13 saves.

The Bonnies held of a 3-1 Minutewomen start to the game by limiting the home team to just one goal over the final 13 minutes of the opening period. Hanley, Nessle and Ross accounted for the team's tallies in the first 30 minutes.

UMass found its offensive rhythm in the opening 10 minutes of the second half as it rattled off the first five goals to take a commanding 10-3 advantage with 21:42 left in the game.

Hastrich was able to stop the bleeding with a goal to make it 10-4, but the Minutewomen answered back with two more goals for a 12-4 lead.

The Brown and White tallied the last three goals of the game, but it was too little, too late.

St. Bonaventure will conclude its season on Sunday against A-10 foe La Salle. The game will mark the final contest in the careers of seven seniors, who will be recognized prior to the start. Drawtime at McGraw-Jennings Field is scheduled for noon.