Aug. 28, 2009

Final Stats

In the debut for Saint Louis head field hockey coach Lauren Bruce, the Billikens dropped a 7-0 decision at Kent State on Friday to open the 2009 season. The Golden Flashes, who were 17-5 overall last season, scored the only goal they would need in the third minute and went on to post the win in the opener for both teams.

"I was pleased by how we played in stretches," Bruce said. "Molly Boyne played well, and we got a good defensive effort. For the freshmen, it was their first college game, and as a group, they did a good job. We knew coming in that Kent State would be a strong team. They took advantage of their team speed."

Debbie Bell collected a pass and fired in a shot from the right side to stake Kent State an early 1-0 margin. Just over five minutes later, Bell struck again to put the Golden Flashes on top 2-0. Kent State tallied once more in the first half for a 3-0 lead at halftime. The Billikens were unable to find the back of the cage, and Kent State closed out the victory. Billiken goalie Katherine Deem, who hails from Ohio, got the start in the cage and finished the half with three saves. Alex LaBarge came on at halftime and registered four saves in the second half for SLU.

The Billikens stay in the state of Ohio for their next contest as they head to Columbus to face Ohio State Sunday, Aug. 30, in a noon (CT) contest.