SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Nov. 11, 2011) – The Mount Holyoke College field hockey team moved one step closer to its second ECAC Tournament Championship with an 8-1 triumph over sixth-seeded Worcester State University on Wednesday. With the win the third-seeded Lyons improved to 14-5 on the year and punched their ticket to tomorrow's ECAC Semifinals. They will face off against the second-seeded University of New England at 1:30 p.m. with a chance to advance to Sunday's ECAC Championship. Top-seeded Plymouth State University will host the remainder of the tournament.
Mount Holyoke is participating in the ECAC Tournament for the fifth time in program history. The Lyons were crowned champions in 2002 and also made appearances in 1999, 2000 and 2005. They will enter tomorrow's match as winners of six of their last seven matches.
This will be Mount Holyoke's first ever meeting against the University of New England. The Nor'easters earned a first round bye after posting an 18-3 record and advancing to the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship.
Breaking Down the Lyons
Mount Holyoke (14-5, 6-2 NEWMAC) cruised to an 8-1 triumph over Worcester State University in the quarterfinal round of the ECAC Tournament on Wednesday. The Lyons have used a balanced attack to outscore their opponents 86-24 thus far this season. Their 86 goals and 228 points are the most in program history. Senior forward Shara Robertson has set the tone with a school-record 61 points on 22 goals and 17 assists. With her dramatic tally against Springfield last week, she became the program's all-time leader in career points (152) and goals (64). First year midfielder Kirsten Kilburn has made an immediate impact in her rookie campaign at Mount Holyoke, racking up 15 goals and nine assists. Meanwhile, senior forward Jess Fajardo has scored 16 times, and midfielder Aurora Rougeau has dished out nine assists. The Lyons have also received a boost from sophomore forward Stephanie Slysz, who has chipped in with nine goals and eight assists. On the defensive end, senior goalkeeper Katie Gibson has posted a goals against average of 1.25 and a save percentage of .798. She has collected five shutouts this year and 17 in her career. Kilburn and senior Tricia Chase have provided support with a six defensive saves apiece.
Breaking Down the Nor'easters
The University of New England (18-3, 9-1 CCC) has used a balanced attack to pile up a program record 18 wins thus far this season. The Nor'easters suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime setback to Endicott College in the Commonwealth Coast Conference Championship last week. They have been paced by sophomore forward Casey Clark, who has amassed 33 points on 14 goals and five assists. Senior forward Michelle Oswald has racked up 10 goals and 10 assists. Meanwhile, midfielders Bree Tupper and Hannah Tavella have chipped in with 10 and nine goals, respectively. Kaitlyn Warren has played all 1,479 minutes between the pipes for the Nor'easters. The first year has posted a goals against average of 1.70 and a save percentage of .791. She has come up with five shutouts this season. Sophomore forward Hayley LaPointe has helped out with six defensive saves.
