PHILADELPHIA- The Temple field hockey team were defeated 2-1 in overtime by Saint Joseph's in a key Atlantic 10 game at the Hawks' Finnesey Field. The loss leaves the Owls in a must win situation on Monday in their season finale against West Chester at 2p.m. Senior Kathy Sokalski scored the game winning-goal with 7:08 remaining in overtime.
Temple's record slipped to 9-9 (2-3, A-10). The Owls have one game remaining on Monday at West Chester.Three of the four teams have been determined for the conference tournament. The tournament host Richmond is the top seed,UMass has clinched the second seed and West Chester has clinched a spot in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament. West Chester will be either the third seed with a win or the fourth seed with a loss to the Owls.
The Hawks ended their season with a 9-8 record (3-3 A-10). Saint Joseph's will not know its fate until after the outcome of the Temple West Chester game.
The Owls fell behind early when the Hawks' Kristen Teklinsky scored on an assist from Amie Schmoltze at 16:17 mark of the first period. Temple senior Melissa DeCesarias (Shavertown, Pa./ Lake Lehman) scored the Owls only goal on penalty shot with 2:04 remaining in regulation.
Temple controlled the action early in the overtime, but was unable to capitalize. The Owls goalie Erin Conroy (Centereach, NY./Centereach) had six saves and The Hawks net minder Courtney Huff had six saves.
Temple (9-9, 2-3 A-10) are in a must win situation on Monday (Nov.4) at West Chester (8-9, 3-2 A-10) in the season finale for both teams. The game is schedule to start at 2:00 p.m.
