Duke Downs California, 2-0, for Fifth Shutout

Friday, September 26

Durham, N.C.

5:00 PM

Duke University

California

Duke Downs California, 2-0, for Fifth Shutout

9/26/2014 8:23:00 PM | Field Hockey

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. – A pair of first-half goals and another strong defensive performance propelled fifth-ranked Duke to a 2-0 victory over California Friday afternoon at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium. With the win, the Blue Devils improved to 8-1 overall and 7-0 against non-conference opponents.

The shutout was the fifth of the season for head coach Pam Bustin's squad and the second in as many games. Meanwhile, the visiting Golden Bears (5-4) were held scoreless for the first time on the fall.

“We kept the consistency pretty high today as far as our ball possession and our energy,” Bustin said. “That's something that we've wanted to improve on, and I'm really happy from last week into tonight how we did improve that ... Our attacking combinations and our attacking finish is a work in progress. Our defense is solid. I think it's something that is there when we need it. It's a full game – attack and defense – and I'm pleased.”

Duke wasted little time getting on the board in the first half, as senior Jessica Buttinger found sophomore Heather Morris at the back post for a goal in just the second minute of action. The score was the first of the season for the forward from Pottstown, Pa.

Bolstered by solid clearing in the backfield, the Blue Devils continued to push forward and went up 2-0 at the 20:27 mark when Buttinger knocked the ball past a diving Courtney Hendrickson in the Bears' goal cage. Buttinger moved her team-leading points total to 12 for the fall.

“Our defense had a fantastic game,” Buttinger said. “Hannah [Barreca] and Amanda [Kim] had some insane tackles. And then we had a great outlet amongst the midfield too with Aileen [Johnson] and Abby [Beltrani] both showing for it. I think that quick transition from defense, grabbing the ball and getting it up front, that was something that we really sustained this game.”

The remainder of the period saw continued activity in Duke's attacking third. Senior forward Martine Chichizola fired a shot just wide of the cage and the team drew three consecutive offensive penalty corners before taking the 2-0 lead into the locker room at the intermission.

The Blue Devils had three more offensive penalty corner opportunities in the second half, but saw two of the shots get deflected away by California defenders. The Golden Bears' offense was sparked inside the final eight minutes as the visiting team earned four penalty corners. However, Duke redshirt junior goalkeeper Lauren Blazing turned away three of the ensuing shots by California and with the help of the backline was able to preserve the 2-0 shutout.

Blazing totaled five saves against seven shots by the Golden Bears while Hendrickson posted six stops at the other end.

The Blue Devils limited California to just seven shots for the contest while recording 15 of their own. Duke also held the edge in penalty corners, 6-5.

Following a rare day off of competition Sunday, the Blue Devils resume ACC action Friday, Oct. 3 at Louisville. That game is slated for a 6 p.m. start and will be broadcast on RSN/ESPN3.

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