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THE MATCHUP: Mount Holyoke kicks-off its home slate for 2016, welcoming the Owls of Westfield State University on Wednesday afternoon. It marks the eighth all-time meeting between the two programs, dating back to the first contest in 2009 - a 16-8 MHC victory. The Lyons have dominated the series since the first meeting, owning a 7-0 record, including a 15-8 win in 2015 which was powered by a five-point effort from attackers Julia Bell and Catherine Ryan.  

THE LYONS: Mount Holyoke (0-1, 0-0 NEWMAC) shouldered a tough 17-9 loss at Bridgewater State on Saturday to open the season. Trailing 10-5 at halftime, the Lyons pulled it to a one-goal deficit (10-9) early in the half as senior captain and attack Julia Bell notched three of her five goals, but the Bears went on a 7-0 run to end the contest. Fellow senior captain and attack Catherine Ryan posted a game-best six assists, while sophomore midfielder Leila Kouakou notched two tallies. In goal, junior Isa Rodriguez made nine saves.

THE OWLS: Westfield State (0-1, 0-0 MASCAC) suffered a close 10-9 loss at Western New England on March 1. Down 9-3 midway through the second half, the Owls went on a 6-0 run, including the game-tying tally from sophomore attack Brooke Williams with 5:49 to go. The Golden Bears got the go-ahead with 2:22 to play and the Owls were unable to net the equalizer. Senior Mimi Khampaeng took the loss in goal, making seven stops in 39:06 of action.

NEXT UP: Both squads return to action on March 15 for spring break contests in Clermont, Fla. Mount Holyoke faces Fitchburg State (11am), while Westfield State plays Skidmore (4pm).