St. Joe’s stonewalled at Penn

In its first ever matchup against city rival St. Joseph’s, the Penn women’s lacrosse team posted another first: shutting out an opponent for the first time in 32 years.

Last night at Franklin Field, the No. 5 Quakers held the Hawks scoreless, while their multifaceted attack put 14 points on the board.

It was the first shutout of coach Karin Brower Corbett’s 11 seasons manning the program, and just the second in Penn history.

“We created some turnovers,” Corbett said. “We were patient enough and didn’t go after them and took those opportunities to check and to get them a little flustered because they weren’t creating a whole lot.”

St. Joe’s (2-6) gained the first possession after winning the opening draw — the only draw control they earned in the first half and one of four they won all game.

Penn’s (5-1, 1-0 Ivy) strong defense was quick to take over, and did so for the rest of the game.

“We take great pride in our defense, and I think that we really made a statement tonight saying ‘we’re back,’” senior defender Barb Seamann said.

“In the beginning of the year we were having issues with meshing,” she added, “and we definitely proved tonight how well we can back each other up.”

Goalkeeper Emily Szelest made her first of three saves less than three minutes into the game.

“It’s always nice to know that even if they go to shoot or one of us gets beat that we have someone that is just solid,” Seamann said of the goalie.

Penn’s defense caused a season-high 23 turnovers, with senior midfield Ali DeLuca and junior midfield Giulia Giordano racking up four each.

“The attack did a great job of getting back and getting the caused turnovers before it even hit us,” Seamann said.

Despite the Hawks’ backer style of defense, both DeLuca and Giordano were threats on the offensive end of the field as well, each netting two goals.

St. Joe’s distinct defensive strategy created the illusion of open passing lanes, which forced the Quakers to commit quite a few overthrown or incomplete passes.

“We were open in a lot of instances,” Corbett said. “You just don’t take that extra second to maybe make sure that that person’s ready, or take that extra second to make sure the ball is in the right part of your stick or that you just throw it correctly. We’ve got to clean that up for the next game.”

Despite what Corbett described as “sloppy” passing, the Quakers were able to handle the backer defense and recorded a .52 shooting percentage, with which the coach was pleased.

In addition, all active players were able to see some playing time.

“They all work really hard and you hope they have a game or two like this where you can get everybody in and have their hard work pay off.” Corbett said.

Penn’s 14 goals were scored by eight different players, including sophomore lefty Erin Brennan who scored a team high of three goals.

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