MIDDLETOWN, R.I.-- The Salve Regina University field hockey team provided a strong defensive push Saturday afternoon, but Massachusetts Institute of Technology pulled away late to earn a 2-0 NEWMAC victory at Gaudet Field.
The Seahawks contended with the Engineers through a scoreless opening quarter, with goalkeeper Siany Ortez setting the tone early. Ortez made four saves in the first quarter alone as Salve worked to keep MIT's attack at bay.
Salve continued to battle in the second quarter, but MIT broke through at 24:20 when Ingrid Tomovski converted a pass from Meredith Wu to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
The Seahawks responded with their strongest offensive stretch of the afternoon in the third quarter. Salve generated four shots and earned two penalty corners, putting pressure on the MIT defense. Grace Warnick tested goalkeeper Alexia Ninios with a shot on goal, while Molly Kearney and Reese Interrante also created opportunities as the Seahawks looked for an equalizer.
Salve's defense continued to work hard to keep the contest within reach, and Ortez remained busy in the fourth quarter. She recorded four more saves in the final period, finishing with an impressive 11 saves across 60 minutes.
MIT added an insurance goal at 53:03 when Wu finished a feed from Leaya Cleary, securing the 2-0 result.
Kearney led Salve with two shots, while Warnick and Interrante each added a shot. The Seahawks also received a strong performance from Ortez, whose 11 saves helped limit the Engineers to two goals despite MIT's 23 shots and 12 penalty corners.
ON THE HORIZON:
Salve Regina will travel to play Rodger Williams University at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14.
