October 9, 2012

CENTERVILLE, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth senior Taryn Cardiel (Moorpark, Calif.) was chosen as the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III New England Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week this afternoon. She was also tabbed as the Little East Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Week on Monday by the conference office.

Cardiel anchored a UMass Dartmouth defensive unit that limited three opponents to 11 shots and just one goal. The senior from Moorpark, Calif. and her defensive teammates posted conference shutout victories against Eastern Connecticut and Southern Maine. Cardiel scored the game-winning goal against the Huskies as UMass Dartmouth kept pace with Bridgewater State for first place in the Little East standings. 

The Corsairs boast one of the stingiest defensive units in the Little East Conference. UMass Dartmouth sits atop the conference standings in shutouts (6), while ranking among the leaders in goals against average (2nd, 1.14) and scoring margin (3rd, 1.67). The Corsairs have held their opponents to just two markers during their current six-game winning streak, while posting four shutouts. 

Cardiel, a starter in all 13 matches, has contributed to the offensive rush with 15 points. She is currently third on the squad in points with six goals and three assists. 

UMass Dartmouth (9-4) returns to action tonight, when the Corsairs travel to No. 13 Trinity College (Conn.) for a non-conference match.