Catholic Wins ECAC Field Hockey Opener

UNION, N.J. - Tory Gagliardi led Catholic University with two goals, as CUA (12-6) defeated Kean University (11-5) in the opening round of the ECAC field hockey tournament, 3-1 on Wednesday.

Gagliardi scored the games first two goals and Meredith Chandler added an insurance goal in the second half as the Cardinals coasted to a 3-1 win and advanced to the ECAC semifinal on Saturday.

Lauren Kusik led the way for Kean taking three shots, all on goal, scoring once for the hosts.

Gagliardi got the Cardinals on the board early with goals in the 26th and 30th minutes while Chandler scored in the 47th minute to ice the game for CUA. Tracey Scanlon earned the assist on Gagliardi's first goal while Mary Swarthout earned the point on Chandler's tally.

CUA outshot Kean in the contest by a 13-10 margin. Cardinal keeper Marian Cassilly made five saves while allowing only one goal.

The Cardinals will return to action on Saturday at 5:30 against Montclair State in the ECAC semifinal.

Story provided by Catholic Sports Information