Rangers Off To Best Start Since 2003

MADISON, N.J. - Behind Jen Schoepflin's goal and an outstanding team defensive effort, the Drew Rangers defeated William Paterson 1-0 in a thrilling field hockey game at Ranger Stadium.  Schoepflin got a first half goal and the Rangers made it stand up as they improved to 5-1 on the season with a big win over a strong Pioneer squad.  The total defensive effort and all out play was the key for the Ranger win.

William Paterson got the game's first good chance as Meghan Hall sent a nice pass through to free Danielle Herbek free on goal.  Herbek shot wide of a charging Stef Rutkowski, but a lunging Nicole Gagliardi cleared off the line for a defensive save, the first of a myriad of key plays the senior would make in the game.

Gagliardi's intervention proved crucial as the Rangers scored just a few minutes later.  The Rangers won a corner that Jen Schoepflin inserted to Whitney Kerns out top.  Kerns fed Lizz Law who made a couple of nice moves to get past a defender, but her shot was blocked.  Meghan Santaniello picked up the rebound, but her shot was saved by Pioneer keeper Christina Auger.  Finally, Schoepflin got it back and slammed it home from close range for her third goal of the season after 27 minutes of play.

The action remained back and forth for much of the half as the Rangers threatened a few times, thanks in large part to good attacking play from Law and Schoepflin.  The Pioneers continued to show their credentials as premier team, but Drew held firm and maintained the 1-0 lead.

The Rangers made a game saving defensive stand just over five minutes into the second half.  The Pioneers swarmed the Ranger circle, but a diving defensive save by Delia Barr prevented one goal.  On the ensuing WP corner, Barr made another defensive save off a long blast by Pioneers' Tina Londino.  On the next William Paterson corner, Hillary DeCataldo got her nose in front of it for another goal line clearance as the Rangers finally relieved the pressure.Drew Fall Sports Images to Alex 009

William Paterson continued to push forward looking for the equalizer, but the Rangers held firm.  Nicole DiBattista made a number of key defensive intrusions and some fortune helped as the Pioneers fired wide a number of times.  Meghan Santaniello had a great game in the middle of the park and, in truth, every Ranger on the field deserves accolades for their efforts.  The clock watching started with around ten minutes left as Nicole Gagliardi (right) made a nice stop on the left sideline and DiBattista did the same a moment later.

The Rangers called a timeout with just over seven minutes left and after a tense few minutes, Lizz Law won a corner.  After Drew won another, the Pioneers cleared out to the half line at the two minute mark.  Another huge defensive play by DiBattista saw the sophomore make a great steal and fire down field.

The end could not have been more tense as William Paterson won two corners in the final minute of play, but the Ranger defense was too determined to allow a clear chance.  With no time remaining, a foul by a Pioneer ended a corner for the final whistle and the 5-1 Rangers stormed the field in celebration.

The Rangers are now 5-1 for the first time since 2003 and avenged last season's 3-1 loss to the Pioneers.  Drew looks to keep the hot streak going as they travel to Muhlenberg next Tuesday.