The Saint Louis University field hockey team is keeping their clothes on, but are looking to streak. After defeating regional rival Southwest Missouri State this past Tuesday, the Billikens are hoping to build upon beating a good team.
Keri Brunner opened the scoring for the Billikens 19 minutes into the the first half on an unassisted goal.
SMS’s Leah Postorino evened the match with just under two minutes left in the first half.
Heather Mattingly scored the regained the lead for SLU with a with 28 minutes left in the game. Her goal was assisted on by Kristen Burich.
SMS tied the match again seven minutes later. Postorino scored again, unassisted.
Brunner notched the game winner with just under seven minutes left in the match.
Goalkeeper Erin Linehan recorded four saves and helped guide the Billikens to victory.
The Billikens attempted 8 shots, while allowing 12 SMS shots. SLU received three penalty corners to the Bears’ 10.
“That was a huge win for us. They’re our biggest rival,” said head coach Shannon West. “It’s good to be home after a six game road trip. Keri Brunner played well, scoring two of our three goals. Erin Linehan played well in goal for us. She kept us in the game. Mattingly is starting to play well.”
“The team is starting to be more consistent. We played 70 minutes and didn’t give up,” West said.
The Billikens improved to 3-7 overall and to 1-2 in the NORPAC Conference. SMS fell to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the NORPAC.
Prior to their victory over SMS, the Billikens lost to Providence 2-0 on Saturday, Sept. 23.
The Bills managed only one shot on goal to Providence’s five. Casey Geary scored the Friar’s first goal with five minutes left in the first half.
Providence scored again Julie Tanguay scored with seven minutes left in the match.
Linehan recorded 12 saves in the loss.
“During the second half against Providence, we repeated our lack of consistency, even though it was a fairly competitive match,” West stated in a recent press release.
“We’re looking for a full 70-minute performance when we host SMS on Tuesday,” West said.
“They are our biggest rival and the team is looking forward to this game. We need a win here.”
The Billikens were scheduled to play Michigan State on Sept. 23. Poor weather conditions caused the cancellation. The match will be played on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Anheuser-Busch Conference & Sports Centre in Fenton.
“Michigan State is a very good team. They’re in the Big Ten and ranked,” West said.
“It will be a challenge. Things are coming together for us now. Hopefully, good things will come out of the match. It will be a good test for a lot of the players.”
The Billikens face Lindenwood in St. Charles on Monday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Lindenwood’s program is in its second season.
“We need to capitalize on this team,” West said.
“We want to get to the spot we’ve been working for. We’re concentrating on our offense. We should get a lot of chances.”
“They (Lindenwood) isn’t as strong a team. They are undergoing a building process,” West said.
