University of Albany Field Hockey Advances to America East Championship Game with 2-1 Win Over Boston U. - UAlbany Sports 2010

Durham, N.H. - Christina Patrick scored the game-winning goal in the 41st minute to lead #15 UAlbany to a 2-1 win over #18 Boston U. in the America East Conference Field Hockey Championship Tournament on Friday evening at Memorial Field. With the semifinal victory, the Great Danes advance to the league's championship game for the third consecutive season, and will face top-seeded New Hampshire on Saturday.

UAlbany got on the scoreboard early, tallying the first goal of the game just 3:55 into play. Patrick dribbled the ball from midfield into the circle, where she crossed it to Chelsea Neff at the top right of the arc. Neff one-timed the ball with a hard strike that found the back of the cage past Boston U. goalkeeper Amanda Smith. Boston U. tied the game at 1-1 in the eighth minute, as Nicole van Oosterom took an unassisted shot from the right wing.

The teams played the rest of the first half with a tied score before Patrick netted the game winner. Nina Walters carried the ball into the circle and took a hard shot towards the cage, where it was redirected by Patrick into the back of the net. Strong defensive play by the Great Danes held off the Boston U. offense for the remainder of the game to hold on for the win.

Boston U. (10-8) outshot UAlbany, 10-9, while the two teams both recorded three penalty corners. Smith made two saves for the Terriers in her complete-game effort, while America East goalkeeper of the year Kristi Troch made three saves in the cage for UAlbany in the win.

UAlbany will take on New Hampshire for the America East Conference Championship title on Saturday at 4 p.m. Both teams will be aiming to win their second league crowns.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information