Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – The Golden Rams scored four times in the first half en route to a 9-0 victory over visiting Monmouth in the first game of the 2007 Vonnie Gros Field Hockey Classic at South Campus’ Turf Field Saturday afternoon.
The win upped West Chester’s winning streak on the year to three games, since dropping its season opener at Rutgers. The Golden Rams new offensive scheme produced constant pressure on the Hawks’ defense, resulting in multiple opportunities in the first 35 minutes.
“We are not trying to separate things out in terms of offense versus defense,” Krannebitter said. “We are playing good offense because we are playing good defense. If that makes sense. Things are starting to come together.
“I give credit to Monmouth. They never quit playing, and I was impressed with that.”
Lauren DuBois scored twice and picked up an assist while Kim Hanshue registered a goal and an assist for West Chester (3-1). Shelly Brooks and Amanda Wynkoop each scored twice as well for the Golden Rams.
Krannebitter’s front line took advantage of a weakness in Monmouth’s defense and utilized the baseline to get to the goal and create scoring opportunities in the second half, which DuBois and Amanda Wynkoop each exploited for tallies.
“We had worked on that drill all week,” Krannebitter added. “The kids recognized a weakness and went right after it. Their goalkeeper was giving us that goal line, and they recognized it.
West Chester outshot Monmouth by a commanding 21-11 total, dominating the pace of the game all afternoon.
Goalkeeper Joelle Zarefoss posted her first career shutout, going the distance in the cage and recording seven saves. The Hawks’ Melissa Katz allowed eight goals and made five saves in 52 minutes of action. Megan Smith relieved Katz and allowed one goal and was credited with one save.
Zarefoss made several nice decisions, putting herself in position to make the save. She also attacked the Hawks’ offense with slide tackles high in the shooting arc.
“Last year as a freshman, she didn’t have that confidence to do those types of things,” Krannebitter said. “Now, she is starting to take charge and be aggressive. That is good to see.”
West Chester weathered a late flurry by Monmouth in the final two minutes to preserve the shutout, the team’s first in 2007.
The Golden Rams finish the Vonnie Gros Classic Sunday afternoon with a 2:30 p.m. match against No. 2 North Carolina. The Tar Heels defeated Villanova 7-2 in the second game Saturday.
Villanova will take on Monmouth Sunday at 12 p.m. followed by the West Chester-North Carolina match.
