CIUFO, HIGH-POWERED DREXEL OUTGUN VCU, 4-1
10-2-09
Box Score

Philadelphia, Pa. – Drexel’s Susan Ciufo and Christina Mastropaolo each scored twice to turn away Virginia Commonwealth University Friday night, 4-1, at Buckley Field.

VCU (6-3, 1-2 CAA) appeared ready to give the 11th-ranked Dragons a run for their money when senior Lindsay Jones (Springfield, Va.) tied the game with two minutes remaining in the first half, but that feeling was short-lived.

“Finishing the first half 1-1 gave us the momentum going into the second half, but we got caught on our heels,” said Head Coach Kelly McQuade.

Ciufo, the Colonial Athletic Association’s leading scorer, opened the second period with her 13th goal of the season and the Rams never recovered. Ciufo helped push the Dragons to a 3-1 lead in the 52nd minute when she dished to Mastropaolo, who finished off a two-on-one chance for her second goal of the night. Ciufo added another goal in the 55th minute on a penalty stroke.  

VCU controlled much of the action in the half, but two breakaways ultimately doomed the Rams.

“The girls looked hesitant in the second half, waiting for others to step up,” said McQuade “They have to eliminate that behavior against Hofstra.”

Freshman Megan Botteri (Mount Bethal, Pa.) recorded seven saves for the Rams.

VCU’s returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. when it takes on Hoftsra in Hempstead, N.Y.