TROY, NY -- 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 provided all the offense the Engineers would need on the day early in the first half. Sophomore Hana Murphy 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 was turned away by RPI goaltender Hannah Clough at 36:43, before Alexa Steriti had a shot stopped at 46:45.
Sophomore Angela Cascio gave the hosts a 2-0 cushion at 67:20 after a shot by Piselli was parried by Union netminder Molly McCune. 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.
The Dutchwomen host Morrisville State on Wednesday in their season finale (4 p.m.).