(Posted September 3, 2004)

Juniata 3, Philadelphia Biblical 1

Huntingdon, Pa. ? The home opener for the Juniata College field hockey team went much like the team?s season opener two days earlier. Senior Billie Rickenbaugh (East McAlisterville) scored a pair of goals and assisted on another as Juniata topped Philadelphia Biblical 3-1 in Huntingdon Friday afternoon. Juniata upped its record to 2-0 with the victory, while the visitors fell to 0-1.

The Eagles got on the scoreboard early as freshman Kim Wagner (Middletown/Middletown) knocked home a pass from Rickenbaugh and gave Juniata the 1-0 lead just under three minutes into the match.

The Eagles would then proceed to pressure Philadelphia Biblical throughout the half as they out-shot the opponent 8-0 in the first 35 minutes.

Rickenbaugh would get on the board herself with 10 minutes left in the half. Juniata orchestrated a play off a penalty corner and Sierra Dickman (Foxcroft School/Marshall, Va.) found Rickenbaugh, who slotted home her first goal of the season to extend the lead to 2-0.

Juniata pressured even more after the half and saw Rickenbaugh convert again, this time unassisted. Her second goal came five minutes into the second half and gave Juniata a commanding 3-0 lead.

Philadelphia Biblical began finding its offensive rhythm late, and broke through with 10 minutes left on the clock. Christina Simon converted one of the Crimson Eagles four penalty corners, beating Juniata keeper Andrea Way (Fair Haven Union/Fair Haven, Vt.) to cut the lead to 3-1. Way rebounded to make two saves down the stretch to secure the victory.

Starting Eagle keeper Melonie Sappe? (Dallas/Shavertown) played 58 minutes in net and did not face a shot. The senior keeper has yet to allow a goal in 2004.

Philadelphia Biblical?s starting goalie Celina Velez allowed all three Juniata goals, while making eight saves. She was relieved following the visitor?s lone goal and Katie Aungst finished out the game with three saves.

Juniata will be back in action on Saturday as the Eagles take on Muhlenberg in a non-conference outing.

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.