Temple University Athletics
TEMPLE INVITATIONAL SET FOR THIS WEEKEND
8.31.06 | Field Hockey
PHILADELPHIA -- Geasey Field will play host to the annual Temple Field Hockey Invitational today, September 2 and tomorrow, September 3. Sixth-ranked American, #16 Michigan State, Rutgers and the Owls will take center stage for the two-day event.
"We are excited to be hosting our annual Temple Invitational again this season," said the Owls' second-year head coach Amanda Janney. "This has been a great tradition at Temple and with getting two nationally-ranked teams in this year's, we feel it will be the best field hockey action in Philadelphia this weekend. We're hoping to see a lot of local fans, as well as high schools teams come out to Geasey Field."
The #6-ranked American Eagles (1-2), led by eighth-year head coach Steve Jennings, snapped a two-game losing skid on Tuesday with a 4-3 overtime win against Stanford. Freshman forward Savannah Graybill leads the American offensive attack with four goals and eight points. Sophomore Irene Schickhardt has posted eight points on three goals and two assists.
The #16-ranked Michigan State Spartans (0-2) also come to Temple looking to break out of an early-season two-game skid following losses to Delaware and #14 Louisville. First-year head coach Rolf van de Kerkhof has received a balance scoring attack as seniors Ashley Pernicano and Ashley Smeltzer, sophomores Geraldine Raynor and Gwen Riley, and freshman Floor Rijpma have each posted one goal.
The Scarlet Knights (2-1), led by fourth-year head coach Liz Tchou, are riding a two-game win streak following victories over West Chester and Lafayette. Sophomore Amy Lewis has led the Rutgers offensive charge with six goals and 12 points while freshman Kristen Johnson has scored three goals, added five assists, and posted 11 points.
The Owls (1-0) opened their 2006 season with a 2-1 overtime win against Lehigh. Senior defender Megan Hannahoe's late goal in regulation, set-up by junior midfielder Alli Lokey, forced the extra session. Less than four minutes into overtime, Lokey added the game-winner. The Owls controlled a majority of the game in their offensive zone out-shooting the Mountain Hawks, 16-4.
The Temple Invitational begins today at noon featuring Temple vs. Rutgers followed by #6 American vs. #16 Michigan State at 2 p.m. Temple will take on #16 Michigan State tomorrow at noon while #6 American will play Rutgers at 2 p.m. Single-day passes for the weekend event can be purchased for $2 while two-day passes are available for $3.
