Box Score

TROY, N.Y. – Junior Jen Piselli scored the eventual game-winning goal and also recorded an assist as the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) field hockey team blanked Union, 2-0, this afternoon, in Liberty League play from Harkness Field. With the win, the Engineers improve to 6-9 overall (2-4 Liberty), while the Dutchwomen drop to 4-12 (1-5 Liberty).

Piselli (Branford, CT/Hamden Hall Country Day) provided all the offense the Engineers would need on the day early in the first half. Sophomore Hana Murphy (Westport, MA/Tilton School) sent a low crossing ball from the right that found its way to Piselli, slammed a shot home from point blank range. The tally, which came at 4:10 of the first half, was her second of the season.

The Engineers took a 13-0 shots edge into halftime, while also taking seven corners to the Dutchwomen's one.

Union picked up its play early in the second half and had a few chances to equalize. Senior Nicole Merigliano (Larchmont, NY/Mamaroneck) was turned away by RPI junior goaltender Hannah Clough (Acton, MA/Acton-Boxborough Regional) at 36:43, before freshman Alexa Steriti (Nahant, MA/Swampscott) had a shot stopped at 46:45.

Sophomore Angela Cascio (Wyndmoor, PA/Springside School) gave the hosts a 2-0 cushion at 67:20 after a shot by Piselli was parried by Union senior netminder Molly McCune (Arlington, MA/Arlington). Cascio scooped up the rebound and buried a shot for her second of the year.

Clough finished the game with four saves, while McCune had five at the other end of the field. The Engineers outshot Union 19-10, including 7-4 on goal.

Rensselaer is back in action on Tuesday, when they visit Castleton State (7pm). The Dutchwomen host Morrisville State on Wednesday in their season finale (4pm).