Box Score

WAYNE, NJ – Forward Nicole Valianti scored the winning goal for the Rowan University field hockey team in a 2-1 conference victory at William Paterson University.

Valianti (jr. Oaklyn, NJ/Collingswood) recorded the game winner with 10:04 left in the game. She knocked in a cross from midfielder Janna Tighe (jr. Sewell, NJ/Gateway Reg.). Rowan goalie Lisa Apt (so. Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) saved a penalty stroke, 31 seconds prior to the goal.

Rowan has a 3-2 record and William Paterson is 4-2 on the season. This week, the Profs are ranked 10th in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Poll. It was the first conference game for both teams.

The score was tied at one after the first half. Back Lauren Conner (so. Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.) put Rowan on the scoreboard first at 26:15. Conner’s goal came on a penalty stroke. The Pioneers tied the score on a stroke by midfielder Melissa Szeliga (jr. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) at 31:07.

William Paterson out shot Rowan, 13-9. Apt ended the game with eight saves. For the Pioneers, goalie Christina Auger (sr. Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) made three saves.

Next, Rowan travels to number two Salisbury University on Wednesday, September 23 for a 6 p.m. contest.