STANDISH, Maine - The fifth-seeded St. Joseph's College field hockey team knocked off eighth-seeded Plymouth State University Saturday afternoon in an ECAC New England Tournament semifinal match, 1-0.

            St. Joe's, 14-6, advance to the ECAC Championship game to be played Sunday at #2-seed Bridgewater State College.  The Bears advanced to the title game Saturday with a 1-0 win over third-seeded Nichols College.

            Saint Joseph's freshman goalkeeper Kathleen "Kat" Simoes (Wakefield, Mass.) continued her exceptional play in net against the Panthers, posting the shutout behind a strong defensive corps.  Sophomore Jillian Kimball (Albany Township, Maine) scored the only goal the Monks would need in the 38th minute, taking a rebound off the stick of sophomore teammate Jessica Baker (Scarborough, Maine).

            As the first half got under way, it seemed like the game would be a defensive struggle, as each team's defense held strong.  On multiple occasions the Panthers would storm down field, only to be held back by the strong defense of the Monks.  Junior Lauren Snow (Dover-Foxcroft, Maine) led the Monks "D" in keeping the Panther forwards at bay.  Sophomore Kimberly Glynn (Danvers, Mass.) made some tough blocks to help out, and Simoes made an amazing save on a shot by Panther Courtney Colligan (Brookfield, N.H.), which appeared to be a sure goal.

            PSU, which completes the season at 11-9, was making its seventh post-season appearance in the last eight years.  The Panthers upset top-seeded Southern Maine in Wednesday's first-round game, but the dream of an ECAC title ended Saturday.

(Courtesy of Saint Joseph's Sports Information)

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