THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke hosts non-conference foe Western New England University this afternoon (4:30 p.m.) at the Turf Field. The Lyons have dropped four straight games to the Golden Bears after coming out on top in both 2005 and 2006. Last year, they fell 16-8 despite three goals and an assist from attacker Liz Randolph. Midfielder Katie Toomy piled up six points on three goals and three assists to set the tone for Western New England.
THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (2-0, 0-0 NEWMAC) has exploded out of the gate, earning victories in each of its first two outings of the 2012 campaign. The Lyons picked up a thrilling 15-14 triumph over Roger Williams University on Saturday thanks to four goals apiece from midfielder Kirsten Kilburn and attacker Molly Macdonald. Kilburn found the back of the net for what proved to be the winner with 17 seconds remaining in regulation. The rookie also recorded a hat trick in Mount Holyoke's 15-12 win over Westfield State University last Wednesday. Her 11 draw controls are good for tops on the squad. The Lyons have received outstanding production from attacker Liz Randolph, who has amassed four goals, three assists and nine draw controls. On the defensive end, Annabel Barrett has collected five ground balls and three caused turnovers.
THE GOLDEN BEARS: Western New England (3-2, 0-0 CCC) picked up its second consecutive win on Tuesday, when it edged Castleton State College 13-12 on a late goal by attacker Ali Pepe. The Golden Bears have also defeated Manhattanville College (16-4) and Smith College (18-14) thus far this season. They have been paced by midfielder Katie Toomy, who has poured in 17 goals to go with six assists. Fellow midfielder Jessica Scannapieco has piled up 10 goals, three assists and 40 draw controls. Meanwhile, defender Veronica Miano has chipped in with 12 ground balls and nine caused turnovers. Emily Castleman has been Western New England's featured goalkeeper. In 267 minutes played, she has amassed 56 saves.
NEXT UP: Both squads are scheduled for spring break trips next week. Mount Holyoke will travel to Colorado for a pair of games against Colorado College (Sunday) and Carthage College (Wednesday). Meanwhile, Western New England will face off against Western Connecticut State University (Sunday) and Virginia Wesleyan College (Tuesday) in Florida.
