September 7, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shalett
(203) 417-3222

Field Hockey Loses Season Opener

Northampton, MA: In their season opener last night, the field hockey Pioneers lost a close game at Westfield State 2-1. Westfield improved to 2-0 on the season, while Smith dropped to 0-1.

Alicia Gardner (Athol, MA) tallied both goals in the first half for the Owls at the 22:50 and 18:20 marks. Smith came back in the second half and made a run, scoring with 5:18 left in regulation on a goal by Becky Capute (Easton, MD) assisted by Elizabeth Cummings (Chicago, IL). With 30 seconds remaining in the game Smith made another push on a penalty corner but was denied by Westfield goalie Cat Hanks (Somers,CT). Hanks finished with 7 saves. First year goalie Courtney Murphy (Florence, MA) began her collegiate career for Smith taking the loss while making 12 saves. 

The Pioneers will be back in action when they host valley rival Amherst College on Tuesday, September 11th at 6 p.m.

                                            1             2             F
Smith College (0-1)              0             1             1
Westfield State (1-0)            2             0             2

Scoring:
Smith- Becky Capute, assisted by Elizabeth Cummings (5:18)
Westfield- Alicia Gardner (22:50, 18:20)

Goalie Saves:
Smith- Courtney Murphy (70 minutes, 2 GA, 12 saves)
Westfield- Cat Hanks (70 minutes, 1 GA, 7 saves)