Mount Holyoke returned to the arena on Saturday, hosting the 2018 Zone 1 Championships. It was an outstanding effort on the day as the Lyons prevailed in a tight race for the top-spot, notching 37 points to claim victory and advance to the 2018 IHSA National Championships in early May. Senior captain Mollie Kowalchik (Loveland, Ohio) had an outstanding effort, earning the Zone 1 High Point Rider honors to advance as the Zone 1 rider for the Cacchione Cup at Nationals. Mount Holyoke is now idle until May 3rd when it opens competition at the IHSA Nationals, hosted this year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pa. Action will run through Sunday, May 6th.
The Lyons squared-off against some outstanding competition on Sunday, finishing well against the #1, #5, #7 and #11 teams in Division III. The varsity eight boat paced the way, finishing third overall in its opening heat behind top-ranked Bates and #5 Hamilton. As only the top two crews in each heat advance, the Lyons competed in the Petite Final, which saw them previal with a time of 7:19.8 to best Simmons (7:22.9) and Clark (7:46.3) for the win. MHC returns to Lake Quinsigamond on Sunday when it races against the University of Rochester, Simmons and host, Clark University.
Mount Holyoke saw a number of outstanding performances at the 2018 Pioneer Invitational at Smith College on Saturday. Leading the effort was junior Julia Hecking (Greenville, Pa.), who powered her way to victory in the hammer throw with a distance of 38.45 meters (126-02). The Lyons are right back in action on Saturday when they host the 2018 Spring Fling Invitational at the MHC Turf and Field Complex. Action kicks off at 10am and can be seen live at https://boxcast.tv/channel/nr8f9nqmjwz2kcmpsc6s.
Mount Holyoke posted victory at Salve Regina by a 10-8 margin, but closed out the week with a tough 13-9 loss at Eastern Connecticut State. Senior captain Leila Kouakou (Leeds, Mass.) paced the offensive effort on the week, scoring seven goals, including five in the win over the Seahawks. MHC (2-8; 0-2 NEWMAC) returns to the field on Wednesday, welcoming NEWMAC-rival Emerson at 6pm on the Turf Field. The Lyons wrap-up the week on Saturday, heading to Wellesley for a 12pm contest against the Blue. Fans can follow all the action live (when available) at http://athletics.mtholyoke.edu/sports/wlax/2017-18/schedule.
TENNIS
The Lyons went 1-1 last week, notching a 6-3 win against Wheaton, before fall at Babson to close out the week on Saturday. Mount Holyoke was once again paced by sophomore Catherine Peabody (San Francisco, Calif.) and first year Anya Gerasimova (Salem, Ore.) as they posted a commanding 8-0 win from two in doubles action against Wheaton. MHC (5-8; 2-1 NEWMAC) returns to the court on Tuesday, traveling to Springfield for a 4pm contest. The Lyons conclude the week on Sunday, hosting MIT at 12pm.
Mount Holyoke was idle last week and will next be in action on Saturday and Sunday when it travels to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., to compete in the two-day Vassar Invitational.
FOLLOW THE LYONS: Log on to athletics.mtholyoke.edu for more information and follow the Lyons on social media via Facebook (mhclyons), Twitter (@mhclyons) and Instagram (@mhclyons).
The official photographer of Mount Holyoke Athletics, RJB Sports Photography has an array of action photos, team photos and headshots available to family, alumnae and fans to purchase. Photo galleries will be added as teams are photographed. For all available galleries, including 2015-16, 2016-17 and this season, click HERE.
