RICHMOND, Va. -- Saint Joseph’s used an early goal and a stifling defense to defeat top-seeded Richmond 2-0 in the Atlantic 10 Field Hockey Championship final to claim its fifth straight crown Saturday at Crenshaw Field.  

Saint Joseph’s (11-9) clinched the Atlantic 10’s automatic qualifier to the NCAA Tournament. The Hawks will await their postseason fate, which will be announced on the NCAA Division I Field Hockey selection show at 10:00 pm ET on Sunday, Nov. 9 on NCAA.com.  

The Hawks grabbed the lead five minutes into the first period when Milou Kluyt scored Saint Joseph’s first goal on assists by Emily Tammaro and Talya Harvey. Kluyt, who scored three goals in the two championship games, was named the A-10 Field Hockey Championship’s Most Outstanding Player. Tammaro also earned All-Championship team honors after providing three assists and a goal in the Hawks two wins.  

Saint Joseph’s shutout Richmond behind the defensive efforts of Tristan Groff, Tammaro, Emma Winther and goalkeeper Paige Kieft. The Hawks defense allowed only two Spider shots, and one shot on goal. Kieft made one save to secure the shutout.  

Valen Luna Paratore registered Richmond’s shot on goal. 

Groff, Winther and Kieft joined teammates Kluyt and Tammaro on the All-Championship team. Richmond’s Grace Wiggins, Alexa Derr and Clara Larripa also earned All-Championship accolades.  VCU’s Josephine Jense and Emily Foerster, and Davidson’s Sib Naaktgeboren rounded out the All-Championship team.  

All- Championship Team 

Sib Naaktgeboren, Davidson 

Alexa Derr, Richmond 

Clara Larripa, Richmond 

Grace Wiggins, Richmond 

Tristan Groff, Saint Joseph’s 

Paige Kieft, Saint Joseph’s 

Milou Kluyt, Saint Joseph’s (Most Outstanding Player) 

Emily Tammaro, Saint Joseph’s 

Emma Winthers, Saint Joseph’s 

Emily Foerster, VCU