STANDISH, Maine- Despite a standout performance from first-year goalie Sara Gardner (Hampstead, Md.), the Dean College Field Hockey team dropped a 1-0 Great Northeast Athletic Contest (GNAC) decision to St. Joseph's College of Maine on Saturday. 

After a scoreless first-half, the hosts finally broke through the stalemate six minutes into the third period when Sadie Tirrell scored unassisted. Dean managed two shots in the fourth quarter, both off a penalty corner in the final five minutes. After sophomore Shea Cassani (Belgrade, Maine) inserted the ball into play, fellow first-year Emily Yazzetti (Mahopac, N.Y.) fired a shot on goal that was turned aside by Monks' keeper Kassidy Collins. First-year Sophia Merenda (Amherst, N.H.) collected the rebound and followed up with another shot, but it sailed wide. Dean couldn't muster another shot down the stretch and the Monks held on for the 1-0 win.

Gardner made 15 saves and allowed the one goal in 60 minutes of action. Her 15 saves were her second best on the season, aside from her previous outing against Johnson & Wales. Her .938 save percentage was a career high. 

Dean was outshot by the Monks 20-6 and ceded a 7-4 edge in penalty corners. 

Up next for Dean (5-7, 2-4 GNAC) is a conference home game on Tuesday at 3:30 against Elms.