DePaul University
Providence
Blue Demons Knock Off BIG EAST Contender Providence 2-1
10/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO - It took some timely shots and a staunch defensive effort Thursday for DePaul to remain on top of the BIG EAST Conference standings.
Ana Greik's goal in the 31st minute and Madeline Frick's header in the 37th minute were just enough in the Blue Demons' 2-1 victory over a physical Providence side at Wish Field.
That clinched a berth in the BIG EAST Championship, and adding three more points in the standings leaves DePaul (9-5-2, 6-1-0) four points ahead of second-place Georgetown which is playing Seton Hall Thursday night.
Providence's leading scorer Kathryn Hiller struck in the 64th minute after a long, direct pass from Hannah Wear for her eighth goal of the season.
That's when the Blue Demon defense clamped down and limited the dangerous chances for Providence (10-5-2, 4-2-1).
DePaul returns to action on Sunday with a huge showdown at No. 7/2 Georgetown that kicks off at noon. The winner of that match will be in the driver's seat for the conference regular-season title and No. 1 seed in the BIG EAST playoffs.
Notes
- The team's 38 goals this season is the fourth-best total all-time with three regular-season games and the playoffs. The program standard is 46 in 2004.
- DePaul outshot Providence 16-5 and had a 7-2 edge in shots on goal.
- Greik led the way with five shots and two on frame while Alexa Ben had three shots with two on goal. Abby Reed also took three shots.
- Providence ended DePaul's 2015 season with a 1-0 BIG EAST playoff-opening win at Wish Field.
- Among active NCAA career leaders, Ben is sixth in the country in assists per game and tied for No. 12 in total assists.
- Reed is No. 16 among active NCAA career leaders in goals and points while Kelli Hubly is tied for No. 11 in career games played.
