THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke opens up its NEWMAC slate against Wellesley College Saturday afternoon (12:00 p.m.) at the Turf Field. The Lyons fell 12-7 at Wellesley last year despite two goals from attacker Alex Crean. Midfielder Meredith Roy registered a hat trick to set the tone for the Blue. Mount Holyoke rolled to a 19-10 triumph when the teams faced off in 2010.
THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (4-1, 0-0 NEWMAC) has exploded out of the gate, earning victories in four of its first five games. The Lyons have been paced by newcomer Kirsten Kilburn, who has racked up 17 goals, 23 ground balls and six caused turnovers. In addition to recording hat tricks in each of her first five collegiate outings, she boosted the Lyons to a 15-14 triumph over Roger Williams University with her dramatic goal in the waning seconds of regulation. Attacker Molly Macdonald has found the back of the net 15 times, while midfielder Hilary Bombard has chipped in with nine goals and 13 ground balls. Other key contributors on the offensive end have been Liz Randolph, Brianne Phelan and Alex Crean. Randolph leads the team with 24 draw controls. Jamie Theophilos and Liz Malenfant have shared time between the pipes for the Lyons.
THE BLUE: Wellesley (1-5, 0-0 NEWMAC) has struggled in the early going, dropping five of its first six games. Midfielder Claire Canty has made an immediate impact for the Blue with her outstanding all-around play. In addition to posting 19 goals and nine assists, she has also contributed 11 ground balls. Attacker Meagan Fuchs has piled up 15 goals, 13 ground balls and seven draw controls. Meanwhile, attacker Brit Mscisz has chipped in with 11 goals and three assists. Wellesley has also received solid production from midfielders Allison Robbins and Meredith Roy, who have combined for 63 draw controls. On the defensive end, midfielder Nathalie Gruet has tallied nine caused turnovers. Tori Hysko has been the featured goalkeeper, who handed Simmons College at 18-5 setback earlier this month.
NEXT UP: Mount Holyoke will return to action on Wednesday, when it visits Eastern Connecticut State University at 4:30 p.m. Meanwhile, Wellesley will host New England College on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
