SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Sept. 17, 2011) – Senior forward Shara Robertson recorded her eighth career hat trick, as the Mount Holyoke College field hockey team sprinted to a 9-0 triumph over longtime rival Smith College this afternoon at the Mount Holyoke Turf Field. It was the NEWMAC opener for both squads. With the win, the Lyons improved to 3-1 on the year. They have defeated the Pioneers 10 straight times.

Junior defender Stephanie Pascual took advantage of a penalty stroke opportunity to put the hosts in front 1-0 just 1:34 into the contest. One minute later, senior forward Jess Fajardo drove to the right side of the circle and rifled a shot past Smith sophomore goalkeeper Savannah Lawson to give Mount Holyoke a 2-0 lead. The Lyons extended their cushion to 3-0 at the 5:24 mark, when Robertson used a long feed from first year midfielder Aurora Rougeau to score her first goal of the day.

Sophomore Stephanie Slysz set up the Lyons' next goal with some outstanding stick work. After receiving the ball in the midfield, she dribbled all the way down the left sideline before sending a perfect cross to Fajardo on the right side. First year midfielder Kirsten Kilburn added to the lead at the 28:48 mark, when she collected a loose ball and scored from five yards out. Just over a minute later, Slysz made her way into the circle and snapped a backhand past Lawson to push the lead to 6-0.

Robertson closed out the opening period with her second tally of the afternoon. This time, she redirected a Kilburn blast into the cage. Mount Holyoke's seven goals in the first half were a new program record. The team's previous high of six came in a 16-1 victory over Elms College during the 2008 season.

The Lyons tacked on two more goals in the second half to seal things. After knocking in a rebound in the 43^rd minute, Robertson assisted on a goal by forward Christine Ianni in the 64^th minute.

Mount Holyoke finished with overwhelming advantages in shots (46-2) and penalty corners (9-1). Smith's shots came from sophomore Alexa DeJesus.

Senior goalkeeper Katie Gibson did not face a shot in the contest. She was credited with the win after playing the first 57 minutes. First year Emma Ross made one save down the stretch. At the other end, Lawson racked up 24 saves in a losing effort. She received some help from first year Rebecca Meagher, who came up with a pair of defensive saves.

Both squads will return to action on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Mount Holyoke (3-1, 1-0 NEWMAC) will host Western New England University, while Smith (1-4, 0-1 NEWMAC) will visit Westfield State University.

Photos by Leila Quinn '12