Box Score Box Score

ITHACA, N.Y. – The Big Red field hockey team snapped a three-game skid this afternoon, beating St. Francis (Pa.), 2-0, on Marsha Dodson Field in Ithaca, N.Y. With the victory, Cornell evened its record at 3-3, while the Red Flash fell to 1-6 on the year.

Senior goalie Alex Botte was outstanding in-between the pipes, notching eight saves to pick up her first win of the season. With the clean sheet, she moved into 10th place in Cornell history for career shutout victories.

On the other end of the field, sophomore Hannah Balleza registered both goals for the Big Red, which had limited opportunities thanks to a staunch St. Francis' defense that allowed just three shots on goal.

Although she was not credited with an assist, the Big Red's first goal was set up by an outstanding play from Katie Laventure, who carried the ball through the center of the field and then sent a long pass into the circle. Red Flash goalie Jill DiCola came off her line and attempted to clear the ball, but her kick went offline and bounced directly to Ballez, who scored on an empty net at the 6:26 mark.

Cornell struck again just before the intermission when Kat DiPastina worked the ball down the left sideline and then ripped a shot towards goal that was redirected into the net by Balleza.

Both teams had solid opportunities in the second half but neither managed to score again as the Big Red took the 2-0 victory.

The Red Flash held the significant edge in shots (13-5), shots on goal (8-3) and penalty corners (8-2), but got just one save from DiCola.

Cornell remains in Ithaca for the week as it welcomes Columbia to Marsha Dodson Field on Saturday, Sept. 24 at noon.