October 6, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shannon Houlihan
(724)288-6347
Field Hockey Falls to Mt Holyoke in OT
Easthampton, MA: Playing against NEWMAC rival Mt Holyoke, Smith put forth a valiant effort but lost a heartbreaker in overtime as Mt Holyoke scored on a penalty stroke to win 2-1. The loss drops the Pioneers to 3-6 overall, 0-3 in the NEWMAC, while Mt Holyoke improved to 5-4, 1-2 in the NEWMAC.
The Lyons came out strong in the first half, tallying 9 shots off 7 penalty corners, but stout defensive play from Smith kept the score even. Senior goalkeeper Margaret Winter (Purchase, NY) made 6 saves in the first half and 15 in the game for yet another strong performance.
Smith came out strong in the second half, but Mt Holyoke claimed the lead off a penalty corner. Winter stopped the initial shot, but Mary Kate Switchenko emerged from a scramble in front of the goal to put the ball in the net. The Pioneers kept up their tempo of play, fueled by the cheering crowd, and had several breakaways. Smith finally broke through off their first penalty corner, as senior Kaitlyn Murdough (Hinsdale, NH) took a pass from sophomore Emily Howe (Harwinton, CT) and scored at 55:22. Both teams were unable to capitalize on any opportunities for the rest of regulation, so they headed to overtime.
Overtime was a back and forth affair, with both teams having chances, but both defenses stepping up. In the 79th minute of play, a scrum in front of the Smith goal led to a penalty stroke for Mt Holyoke. Shara Robertson slipped the ball past Winter for the game winner.
Coach Ginsberg was pleased with the effort and intensity the team brought to the game. "Both teams played well tonight and it's just a tough break to have a penalty stroke end the game. I'm proud of the way we played tonight."
Smith next travels to Westfield State on Thursday October 8 for a 7 pm game, while Mt Holyoke hosts WPI on Saturday October 10 at 1 pm.
1 2 OT F
Smith (3-6, 0-3) 0 1 0 1
Mt Holyoke (5-4, 1-2) 0 1 1 2
Scoring:
MHC- 37:16 Mary Kate Switchenko
SMI- 55:22 Kaitlyn Murdough (Emily Howe)
MHC- 79:32 Shara Robertson
