October 28, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hannah Shalett
(203) 417-3222

Field Hockey Drops Game to League Leading Springfield

Northampton, MA: In a game a game featuring the top ranked team in the New England Women's and Men's Conference (NEWMAC) the Pioneers fell 3-0 to the Pride of Springfield College. With the win Springfield impoves to 12-5 (8-0). Smith now stands at 7-9 (2-6) on the year.

The Pride jumped on the board early, scoring 2:24 minutes into the first half with a goal by Emily Murry (Boonton, NJ), assisted by Megan Bradley, off of an offensive corner. Alexa Carlson (New Milford, CT) tacked on a goal at the 10:27 mark off of a rebound. The Pride's last goal came at the 24 minute mark in the first half on a goal by Becca Gamble (Granby, CT).

Offensively, Smith took 18 shots, 6 of which were on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net. Rebecca Capute (Easton, MD) and Sarah Knowles (North Kingstown, RI) led the way with 2 shots on goal a piece. The Pioneer's defense came out with a strong second half performance, shutting Springfield out for the final 35 minutes.

Alison McCarthy (North Andover, MA) of Springfield made 6 saves for the shutout victory. For Smith, Courtney Murphy (Florence, MA) had 13 saves while allowing the 3 goals.

Smith returns to action Thursday as they host Keene State for an out of conference match-up. Several NEWMAC games were postponed due to rain today, with Saturday's conference tournament match-ups to be determined from those outcomes.