SPRINGFIELD, Mass. —The Salve Regina University field hockey team contended with Springfield College through regulation and overtime Saturday afternoon, taking a 3-2 loss in a arduous conference opener. The Seahawks built an early two-goal advantage and showed plenty of fight before Springfield ultimately found the game-winner in double overtime.
Just 3:36 into the opening quarter,
Catie Bell (Ridgefield, Conn.) put the Seahawks on the board, finishing a chance created by
Grace Warnick (Clark, N.J.) to give Salve an early 1-0 lead. The Seahawks continued to generate pressure, earning two penalty corners during the opening quarter while
Siany Ortez (Attleboro, Mass.) made an early save to keep Springfield off the scoreboard.
The Seahawks doubled their advantage early in the second quarter when Molly Kearney (Acushnet, Mass.) scored at the 21:47 mark. Kearney was active throughout the afternoon, finishing with a team-high four shots and three shots on goal.
Springfield answered before halftime, but Salve carried a 2-1 lead into the break. The Seahawks continued to battle throughout the second half, earning two more penalty corners in the third quarter and creating opportunities from Kearney and Jordyn Pineau (South Dennis, Mass.).
The defensive effort was anchored by Ortez, who faced a steady Springfield attack and finished with 10 saves. Salve also produced several key defensive stops as Springfield generated 22 shots overall, including 13 on goal.
Springfield eventually tied the game in the fourth quarter, sending the contest to overtime. Salve remained within striking distance, but Springfield scored her second goal of the afternoon at 73:24 to end the game in double overtime.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Springfield 3, Salve Regina 2
Records: Salve Regina (4-2, 0-1 NEWMAC), Springfield (4-2, 1-0 NEWMAC)
NOTEWORTHY:
- Salve finished with six shots, four on goal, and five penalty corners, while Bell and Kearney each found the back of the cage and Warnick added an assist.
ON THE HORIZON:
On Wednesday, September 23, the Seahawks will host Nichols College at Gaudet Field at 6 p.m.
