FIELD HOCKEY: Johnson & Wales blanks Anna Maria, 2-0

The Basics:

-Score: Johnson & Wales University 2, Anna Maria College 0

-Records: Anna Maria College (2-6, 1-2 GNAC), Johnson & Wales (2-4, 1-2 GNAC)

-Location: Paxton, Mass. (AMCAT Field)

- The Lead: Johnson & Wales scored one goal in each half Saturday afternoon to defeat Anna Maria College in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) field hockey game, 2-0. Senior Giovanna Ciavardoni (Latham, N.Y.) led the Wildcats with a goal and an assist.

How It Happened:

-Ciavardoni broke a scoreless tie in the 17th minute when she scored her first goal of the season after a flurry in front of the AMCAT goal, with classmate Shaina Thompson (Delmar, Del.) picking up an assist.

-The visitors had a 5-0 advantage in shots in the first half but held just a 1-0 lead at the intermission.

-JWU continued to carry much of the play in the second half with an 8-1 shot advantage. The AMCATS had a golden opportunity in the second half when senior Nicole Denver (Springfield, Mass.) fired a hard shot from the right side but Wildcat junior keeper Claire Nolan (West Bridgewater, Mass.) made a pad save.

-The Wildcats added an insurance goal with less than two minutes remaining when freshman Rachel DeVore (Beltsville, Md.) converted her first of the season on a pass from Ciavardoni.

Inside the Numbers

-The Johnson & Wales defense posted its first shutout of the season, allowing just one shot, thanks for some strong play by defenders Jessica Kocur (Mattapoisett, Mass.), Renelle Bush (Haymarket, Va.) and Sydney Patterson (North Plainfield, N.J.)

-JWU finished with a 13-1 advantage in shots and a 12-3 margin in penalty corners.

-Nolan recorded with win in the Wildcat goal, finishing with one save.

-Senior Bryanna Tobin (Deep River, Conn.) was solid in the AMCAT goal, making five saves.

-Anna Maria was shut out for just the second time in eight outings this season.

Up Next:

The AMCATS return to action with their third straight home game on Thursday, Sept. 28, in a non-conference game at AMCAT Field against Elms College (7:00 p.m.) The Wildcats play again on Tuesday in a non-league clash at Wheaton College (7:00 p.m.)

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