Oct. 5, 2007

PHILADELPHIA- The Temple field hockey team fell to Richmond, 2-1, in its first Atlantic 10 Conference match on Friday afternoon. The loss moves the Owls to a 9-4 record, while the Spiders move to 2-9. Both of Richmond's goals were scored in the first half.

The start of the game was filled with action. The Spiders started off scoring with a goal three minutes into the game. Sophomore Adrian Pickar collected a save off the pads of Temple goalie Erin Hanshue and one-timed the ball into the cage. The goal marked Pickar's first of the season. Five minutes later Temple, answering the Spiders goal, tied up the game. Sophomore Mandi Ruth dribbled the ball into the Spiders circle. Ruth sent the ball across the cage where she found junior Jamie Adams for the goal. The goal was Adams fourth of the season and Ruth's first assist.

The half continued scoreless for nearly 25 minutes. With a little more than one minute remaining in the half, Richmond scored what would be the game winner. Sophomore Sarah Blythe-Wood sent a free position hit toward goal where freshman Dani Pycroft tipped the ball into the cage. Richmond led Temple at the half in shots (9-5) and penalty corners (3-1).

Temple returned in the second half to outshoot the Spiders 7-3. Despite numerous breakaway attempts by the Owls the game ended in a loss. The Owls matched the Spiders in every category on the day. Each team had 12 shots, three corners, and eight saves.

The Cherry and White will next travel to St. Louis for their second conference match-up. The game will be played on October 7 at 2:00 p.m.