Aug. 28, 2009

Final Stats

BERKELEY - The California field hockey team got its 2009 campaign off on the right foot, as the Golden Bears defeated Towson, 1-0, Friday at Maxwell Family Field. Sophomore Erin Magill tallied the lone goal of the match on a penalty corner in the 38th minute. Cal opens the season at 1-0, while the Tigers start at 0-1.

"We work on corners all the time and we should score on corners," Magill said. "I hit it as hard as I could and just hoped it went in. We have a lot to work on, especially for our first game; we need to learn to read each other better. At least we got the win, but we have a lot to work on. It feels good to get that first win. It's like the pressure is off."

Said head coach Shellie Onstead on the goal: "That's where I think Erin is going to be very valuable, on the corner plays, as well as a defender. I think she's got one of the biggest hits in the country and she's only going to get better at it. So, it's going to be something that everybody's going to respect, and that's going to set us up for some other plays."

Sophomore Jessica Kreck and freshman Deanna Kennedy recorded assists on the goal. Kreck took the corner and Kennedy provided the stick stop. In addition to earning the assist, Kennedy also notched two shots on goal in her first collegiate match.

Junior Lisa Lohre tallied Cal's other shot on goal. Lohre made a defensive save, as well.

Onstead was forced to watch the game from the stands. She was serving a red card that volunteer assistant coach Peter Milkovich received in Cal's final game of the 2008 season.

"It was hard, it was really hard," Onstead said. "I was trying not to say too much, but that was hard. The only thing I would have done more was use more subs. We got a little flat, but we got through it. I think Sophie Sproats played well and kind of established herself as a rover today. I think the freshmen did fine. We have to continue to work at both ends, but it's a good start."

Goalkeepers Maddie Hand and Haleh Nourani split time, with Hand starting and playing the first half, while Nourani played the second half. Each keeper recorded a save.

Cal outshot Towson, 9-4. Kennedy and junior Natalie Nurnberg each took three shots. For the Tigers, Christina Boarman took all four Towson shots, three of which were on goal.

The Bears return to Maxwell Family Field Saturday, Sept. 5, at 11 a.m. vs. Kent State. The following day, Cal faces Northeastern at 1 p.m. at Maxwell Family Field.