RICHMOND, Va. – No. 1 seed Saint Joseph’s scored a goal in each quarter, including a pair from Leigh James to top No. 4 La Salle, 4-0 in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Field Hockey Championship Thursday at Cary Street Field.
 
The Hawks (15-4) will make a record eighth straight appearance in the championship final, which is set for Saturday at noon. SJU will face the winner between No. 2 UMass and No. 3 VCU.
 
James scored on back to back opportunities in the second and third quarters, the first coming off of Maaike Gorissen at 24:21 in the second. She followed with an unassisted tally in the third at 38:44.
 
Saint Joseph’s complimented the four-goal offense with a stifling defensive performance that help the Explorers to just a pair of shots in the fourth quarter. La Salle (13-6) was kept shotless in the first three frames.
 
James’ goals were bookended by an opening strike from Sol Borensztein at 14:13 on a pass from Gorissen. Borensztein then assisted on the final tally, a rocket from the outer circle by Lily Santi.
 
SJU led 7-3 in corners and 12-2 in total shots. La Salle’s Emily Streib made a trio of saves, while Janelle Ward didn’t have to make a save in the shutout.