Four Second Half Goals Push Wheaton Past Blue Field Hockey

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The Wheaton College field hockey team scored four second-half goals in a 4-3 victory over New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC)-rival Wellesley College on Tuesday afternoon.  The victory keeps the Lyons a perfect 4-0 in NEWMAC play, with a 10-2 overall mark, while Wellesley falls to 1-3 in the NEWMAC, 3-7 overall.

Although Wellesley held a 17-11 advantage in shots, Wheaton senior Jessica Strock and junior Carmela Luzi both scored a pair of goals to give the Lyons their first victory at Wellesley since the 1991 season.

Wellesley took a 1-0 lead just 1:10 into the game, as sophomore Allison Robbins converted a penalty corner with Emily Lewis on the insertion.

Five minutes into the second period, an angled shot from first-year Alex Azzi found it's way into the back of the net, giving the hosts a 2-0 advantage.

Wheaton then struck for three straight goals to go ahead, 3-2.  Strock scored the first of the bunch unassisted at the 46-minute mark, while Luzi netted back-to-back scores at 50:35 (assisted by Jenna Rocha) and 55:22 (assisted by Tierney Richardson).

Wellesley brough the score even at 3-3, when Sally Scudder scored on a penalty stroke with under 12 minutes to play.  Wheaton netted the eventual game-winner at the 63-minute mark, as Strock poked a pass from Emily Chick into the cage. 

Wellesley had a chance to tie with a penalty corner as time expired, but strong closing defense from Wheaton handed the Lyons the 4-3 victory.

Ellie Massengil was solid between the pipes for Wheaton, recording six saves in the contest.  Wellesley's Sarina Sawyer was credited with four stops.

Wheaton next hosts MIT in a key NEWMAC match-up on Saturday at 1:00pm.  Wellesley returns to action on Thursday at 5:00pm, playing a non-conference game at Tufts.