Sept. 9, 2001
The Northwestern field hockey team wrapped up competition at the 2001 Terrapin Invitational today, falling to the Dukes of James Madison at the Maryland Artificial Turf Facility. After a slow start by both teams, JMU jumped out to a 2-0 lead, scoring two goals in a two minute span halfway through the first period. With momentum on their side and the 'Cats on their heels, the Dukes tallied one more goal before the half.
Down 3-0, NU came out with more defensive intensity in the second half but couldn't ignite the offense as JMU found the back of the NU net for its fourth and final goal late in the second half. Diane Provencher (North Conway, N.H./Kennett) and Juli Fomenko (Campbell, Calif./Los Gatos) led the defensive effort as Provencher recorded two defensive saves in the game. She tallied three defensive stops during NU's two games this weekend.
"We struggled in the first five to seven minutes, especially defensively," said head coach Marisa Didio. "That was a big factor because it put us behind the eight ball right away. But I thought our response to the adversity by some of our kids was great and I liked what I saw from our young players."
Kendra Mesa (Madison, Conn./Daniel Hand) put forth a valiant effort in goal, stopping five shots as James Madison outshot the Wildcats 18-6. The Dukes also posted seven penalty corners compared to NU's four. Mesa's five saves gives her 25 for the year.
"I think overall Kendra did a good job for us even though the score wasn't indicative of that," said Didio. "I think Diane (Provencher) played well defensively and Juli (Fomenko) showed tremendous leadership in our backfield."
James Madison improves to 2-3 on the year as Northwestern falls to 1-5. The 'Cats are next in action when they travel to Storrs, Conn., where they will compete in the Big Ten/Big East Challenge. NU is schedule to take on Boston College and Providence in the two-day tournament (Sept. 15-16).