(Posted September 1, 2004)

Juniata 1, Neumann 0

Aston, Pa. ? The Juniata College field hockey team boasts an experienced roster of veteran goal-scorers, but it was freshman Kim Wagner (Middletown/Middletown) who scored the lone goal as Juniata earned a 1-0 victory over Neumann College in its season opener in Aston Wednesday afternoon. The Eagles get out of the blocks with a 1-0 record, while Neumann is now 0-1.

Wagner pushed across the only goal despite the Eagles pressuring the Knights cage throughout the game. Juniata piled up 36 shots in the match, while holding the home team to 12 shots.

Juniata finally broke through with time winding down in the first half. Wagner collected the ball in the scoring circle and flipped in a reverse chip shot to beat Neumann keeper Dena Culbertson with the game?s lone goal with 1:30 remaining in the first half.

Juniata keeper Melonie Sappe? (Dallas/Shavertown) was pressured throughout the first half, but came up with six of her eight saves in the first 35 minutes to keep Juniata close and then preserve the lead.

Juniata would tilt the field in the second half as they pushed forward to try and add to the lead. The Blue and Gold notched 18 shots in the second half, with senior Billie Rickenbaugh (East Juniata/McAlisterville) pacing the team with 11 shots. Janine Hartman (Whitehall/Whitehall) added five shots, with Wagner and Sierra Dickman (Foxcroft School/Marshall, Va.) adding four apiece. Juniata?s attack could be seen as the team finished with 14 penalty corners to five for Neumann.

Sappe? played all 70 minutes and finished with eight saves in earning the shutout.

Culbertson finished with 21 saves and allowed just the lone goal while playing the complete game in the cage.

Juniata will be back in action on Friday when the Eagles host Philadelphia Biblical for the team?s first home game of 2004.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.