October 3, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Houlihan
(724) 288-6347
Field Hockey falls to Babson 3-1
Babson Park, MA: The Pioneers put forth a great team effort against host Babson College on Saturday, but fell 3-1 in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference game. The loss dropped Smith to 3-5 overall, 0-2 in the NEWMAC, while Babson improved to 6-3 overall, 1-1 in the NEWMAC.
The two teams played an evenly matched first half, going into halftime with the score 1-0 in Babson's favor, as Colleen Kelly scored off a rebound at 17:29. Strong defensive play from senior Michelle Walsh (Northampton, MA) and senior goalkeeper Margaret Winter (Purchase, NY) anchored the Pioneer's efforts. Junior Natalie Wickles (Hatfield, MA) and sophomore Emily Howe (Harwinton, CT) led the offensive charge, with Smith getting several opportunities on penalty corners and a penalty stroke in the first half.
After Babson scored a quick goal to open the second half, Smith's offense broke through, as sophomore Phoebe Hopkins (Philadelphia, PA) re-directed Wickles shot from the top of the circle into the net. Smith held strong until the very end, as Babson slipped a ball into the cage with under two minutes left to play. Winter had 11 saves on the day in another excellent game, while Babson's goalkeeper Jess Pashos had 4 saves.
Coach Ginsberg cheered the team's effort and intensity in the game, saying "We played a great game today. We kept things even until the very end, but just couldn't find the back of the net."
Smith returns to NEWMAC action on Tuesday, hosting Mt Holyoke on the turf at the Williston Northampton School at 7:30 pm.
1 2 F
Smith (3-5, 0-2) 0 1 1
Babson (6-3, 1-1) 1 2 3
Scoring:
Bab- 17:29 Colleen Kelly
Bab- 36:43 Kelly Walsh (Sarah Fredlund)
Smi- 59:22 Phoebe Hopkins (Natalie Wickles)
Bab- 67:33 Sarah Fredlund
