Ian Stone Gets 275 and SJU Clinches a Berth into Big East Tournament

The match between St. Johns and Marquette was highly anticipated, with both teams having a lot at stake. Marquette, in desperate need of a win, aimed to keep their hopes alive for a Big East Tournament berth. On the other hand, St. Johns sought to secure their spot in the tournament and help their head coach, Ian Stone, achieve his 275th win.

St. Johns entered the match with the memory of their recent defeat against Xavier, where they were outplayed and failed to find their rhythm. They knew they needed to capitalize on any opportunities to put Marquette on the back foot and regain their winning form.

From the start, St. Johns showed their determination and hunger for victory. They pressed forward, looking to take control of the game. In the 7th minute, their efforts paid off when Jailene DeJesus found the back of the net, scoring from the right of the penalty mark bending one into the middle of the goal, giving St. Johns an early lead. The goal was assisted by Nicole Gordon and Jessica Graziano, both of whom have been instrumental in the team’s success this season.

As the first half progressed, St. John’s continued to assert their dominance. In the 20th minute, luck favored them as Marquette scored an own goal, further extending St. Johns led to 2 – 0. It was a disappointing start for Marquette, but exactly what St. Johns needed to boost their confidence and control the game.

With a comfortable lead, St. Johns maintained their momentum and entered halftime with a firm grip on the match. They knew that a 2 – 0 lead could be precarious, as it often leads to a sense of dread for teams, so they were determined to increase their advantage in the second half.

The second half began with St. John’s picking up where they left off. They continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. In the 59′, Ava Collins found the back of the net off an assist from Jessica Graziano, who had been in exceptional form throughout the season, the assist pumps her up the all-time assist leaderboard and will but her just 1 shy of the record, further solidifying St. Johns’ lead at 3 – 0. Graziano’s performance made a strong case for her to be named the offensive player of the year in the Big East Conference.

Marquette, desperate to salvage something from the match, tried to mount a comeback. However, St. John’s defense remained resolute, denying Marquette any clear chances and frustrating their efforts.

The win not only secured St. Johns’ place in the Big East Tournament but also marked a significant milestone for head coach Ian Stone, who achieved his 275th win. It was a well-deserved victory for St. Johns, showcasing their determination, resilience, and ability to bounce back from defeat.

Overall, St. John’s performance demonstrated their strength as a team and their ability to capitalize on opportunities. They showcased their offensive prowess, solid defense, and the leadership of their head coach. With their place in the tournament secured, St. Johns will now look to build on this victory and continue their success in the Big East Conference. They will return to Belson Stadium on October 26th vs DePaul at 7 p.m.