Beam leads Cardinals past Seahawks, 2-0

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Junior Alex Bean (Milton, Mass.) scored two goals to lead Wesleyan University to a 2-0 win over Salve Regina University in non-conference field hockey action Tuesday night at Gaudet Field.

Freshman goalkeeper Tori Redding (Guilford, Conn.) made five saves for the Cardinals, who improved to 6-5 with the win and 3-0 lifetime against Salve Regina (7-9).

The two teams appeared to be headed to the half scoreless until the Cardinals capitalized on a penalty corner with no time left on the clock. After a flurry of saves by senior goalkeeper Devin Eppley (Darien, Conn.), Bean was finally able to sneak one through and give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead. Freshman Averill Roberto (Darien, Conn.) was credited with the lone assist on the goal.

Bean's second tally came just 41 seconds into the second half and doubled the Wesleyan lead. Junior Jamie Thabault (Colchester, Vt.) sent a ball into the circle that was backhanded off the left post and past Eppley at 35:41.

"Wesleyan is a strong opponent. We have to continue to fine-tune our play as we get closer to the playoffs," said Seahawk head coach Jen Eldridge. "We're vying for a playoff spot right now, so this was a good opponent to have. They capitalized on their scoring opportunities, and I wish we would have done the same."

Wesleyan outshot the Seahawks 20-6 and held a 7-2 edge in penalty corners. Eppley finished the game with 13 saves after being honored prior to the contest, along with fellow senior Andrea Michel (Yarmouth, Maine.). The duo was playing the final home game of their careers.

The Seahawks return to action on Saturday when they travel to Anna Maria for a noon contest. Wesleyan hosts Mt. Holyoke Thursday at 7 p.m.