THE MATCHUP: 
Mount Holyoke opens up its NEWMAC slate against longtime rival Smith College Saturday afternoon (1:00 p.m.) at the Turf Field. In 46 previous meetings between the programs, both sides have prevailed 23 times. They have also finished in a deadlock on one occasion. Last season, the Lyons downed the Pioneers for the ninth time in a row, winning by a score of 4-0. Match Program
THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (2-1, 0-0 NEWMAC) has exploded out of the gate, winning two of its first three matches. The Lyons opened the year with a 12-1 victory over Regis College. After edging Castleton State College 2-1, they suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 double overtime setback at Wesleyan University on Wednesday. Forward Shara Robertson has amassed three goals and two assists to set the tone on the offensive end. All three of her tallies came against Regis. It was her seventh career hat trick. Fellow frontliner Jess Fajardo recorded her first career hat trick in that contest and also found the back of the cage against Wesleyan. Midfielder Kirsten Kilburn has made an immediate impact on the program with her two goals and three assists. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Katie Gibson has been outstanding between the pipes for the Lyons, allowing just four goals.
THE PIONEERS: Smith (1-3, 0-0 NEWMAC) has stumbled out of the gate, dropping three of its first four contests. After falling to Nichols College (8-2) and Vassar College (6-2), the Pioneers rolled to a 12-1 triumph over Bay Path College. They were edged 1-0 by Elms College in their most recent outing on Tuesday. Forward Allie Stein has racked up team highs of six goals and three assists to lead the way for Smith. The Pioneers have also received solid production from forward Alex DeJesus, who has scored twice and dished out three assists. Fellow frontliner Sydney Burns has chipped in with three goals. Savannah Lawson has made 27 saves in 210 minutes played. She owns a goals against average of 5.00.
NEXT UP: Both squads will return to action on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Mount Holyoke will host Western New England University, while Smith will visit Westfield State University.
