NORTON, Mass.--The Salve Regina University field hockey team remained strong throughout four quarters against Wheaton College on Tuesday evening, scoring twice in the third quarter before the Lyons pulled away for a 5-2 NEWMAC victory at Nordin Field.
The Seahawks (8-7, 2-5 NEWMAC) generated 19 shots, including 12 on goal, and matched Wheaton with six penalty corners in a competitive offensive effort.
Wheaton opened the scoring at 8:56 in the first quarter when Gia Marotta found the back of the cage off an assist. The Lyons added two more goals in the second quarter to take a 3-0 advantage into halftime.
Salve Regina responded early in the third quarter. At 31:32, Jordyn Pineau got the Seahawks on the scoreboard with her fourth goal of the season, finishing a play set up by Grace Warnick to cut into the deficit.
Wheaton answered with a penalty-stroke goal at 39:15, but Salve continued to push offensively. Nikki Schuster found the cage at 44:46 for her second goal of the season, bringing the Seahawks within two goals at 4-2 heading into the final quarter.
Salve continued to generate chances in the fourth, recording six shots in the period. However, Wheaton added a late goal at 59:56 to secure the 5-2 final.
Pineau led the Seahawks with five shots, including three on goal, while Schuster contributed four shots and two on target. Molly Kearney also put both of her attempts on goal, helping Salve maintain pressure on the Lyons' defense.
Warnick contributed an assist and a defensive save, while goalkeeper Siany Ortez and the Salve defense worked to limit Wheaton's opportunities throughout the contest. The Seahawks finished with nine saves as the teams were separated by just one shot overall, with Wheaton holding a narrow 20-19 advantage.
ON THE HORIZON:
Salve Regina hosts Babson College on Saturday, October 24, at 12 p.m. at Gaudet Field in a NEWMAC game.
