SALEM, MA - Freshman Melanie Allen (Jackson, NH) broke a scoreless deadlock with five seconds left in regulation to lift Saint Joseph's (10-2, 4-0 NAC) over Salem State (5-6) in a non-conference field hockey contest on Thursday evening.

Allen scored the game's only goal after a scramble in front of the Salem State net. The game-clincher is the first of her career and also was her first collegiate score. Courtney Rague '11 (Old Orchard Beach, ME) was credited with an assist on the play.

The game featured few scoring chances. However, both teams had opportunities to break the scoreless tie in the second half. Sarah Quimby (Turner, ME) just missed giving Salem State the lead when her shot went wide of an open net. Nicole Roy (Melrose, MA) blocked a shot in front of the Lady Vikings goal to prevent a Saint Joseph's score with 4:15 remaining. 

Kayla Nowell '11 (Bridgton, ME) nearly provided the Royal Blue with a lead at the 2:42 mark when she narrowly missed a wide-open net.

Meaghan Johnson '12 (Portland, ME) made three saves to pick up the win, the 22nd of her young career, for St. Joe's. The Monks have now won six of their last seven contests. 

The two teams both mustered five shots and the Monks held a 5-4 edge in penalty corners in the triumph.

Saint Joseph's will travel to Castleton State on Saturday to take on the Spartans (4-8, 4-0 NAC) in an important conference contest slated to begin at 1:00 PM. Salem State travels to Eastern Connecticut on Saturday for a 1:00 PM game.

St. Joseph's (Me.) (10-2) vs. Salem State (5-6)
Date: Oct 15, 2009  Attendance: 45
Weather: Clear

Goals by period       1  2  Tot
-------------------------------
St. Joseph's (Me.)..  0  1 -  1
Salem State.........  0  0 -  0

SCORING SUMMARY:
  1.  70:00 SJMFH Melanie Allen (Courtney Rague)

Shots: St. Joseph's (Me.) 5, Salem State 5
Saves: St. Joseph's (Me.) 3 (Meaghan Johnson 3), Salem State 2
(Jessica McKenna 2)