Blue Field Hockey Knocks Off NEWMAC-Rival Mount Holyoke

Wellesley College defender Alison Mehan recorded two defensive saves to propel the Blue field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over NEWMAC-rival Mount Holyoke on a warm Saturday afternoon in Wellesley. Both of Mehan's game-saving stops came in the final seven minutes of play, as Wellesley recorded it's first conference victory of the season.

The Blue took the early advantage, as Allison Robbin's long, hard pass from the right side made it's way to Sally Scudder in front of the net. Scudder's tally was the third of the year for the senior, who put the Blue ahead 1-0, 9:23 into the game. Mount Holyoke had a string of three penalty corners late in the half, but was unable to dent the scoring column.

Wellesley stretched the lead to 2-0 early in the second period when Emily Lewis scored off of a Kate Cushing assist. Once again, Mount Holyoke had several opportunities to score, including creating a one-on-one with Blue keeper Sarina Sawyer. However, Scudder's aggressive move to come out of the circle paid off, and she knocked the attempt wide of the net.

Holding a 2-0 lead in the final seven minutes of play, Wellesley relied on Mehan's two defensive stops before the Lyons finally broke through on the scoreboard. After Mehan stopped Stephanie Slysz's (Hatfield, MA) initial shot, Slysz tapped the rebound to Jess Fajardo (Amherst, MA), who knocked home her fourth goal of the season with 2:31 left to play. In the waning minutes, the Wellesley defense kept Mount Holyoke outside of the circle to preserve the 2-1 win.

For the game, Mount Holyoke held advantages in both shots (14-8) and penalty corners (7-5). Lyons keeper Katie Gibson (Charlotte, NC) made five stops, while her Wellesley counterpart, Sawyer, also saved five.

Wellesley (3-4, 1-1 NEWMAC) will play a non-conference game against Conn. College on Wednesday at 4:30pm in Wellesley. Mount Holyoke (4-2, 1-1 NEWMAC) returns to action on Wednesday at Amherst College for a 7:00pm tilt.