Boxscore

PURCHASE, N.Y. – Sophomore Melissa Goncalves (Holtsville, N.Y.) had a goal and an assist to help the Manhattanville field hockey offense soar to a 4-0 victory over non-conference foe Elmira College on Tuesday afternoon at GoValiants.com Field.

The Valiants pounded the door step of Elmira throughout the contest, finishing with a 34-12 margin in shots and a 14-9 edge in penalty corners. The home team capitalized twice on corner set pieces, while also peppering Soaring Eagle netminders Lauren Thomas and Katie Burke with a combined 20 shots on goal.

Manhattanville recorded its only goal of the first half in the 28th minute, as freshman Megan Greene (North Kingstown, R.I.) scored her fourth goal of the season off a rebound in front of the net. The Valiants finished with 19 shots (11 on goal) after the first 35 minutes, while Elmira had eight shots overall. Freshman goalie Melissa Grant (Hampton, N.H.) turned aside all five attempts on goal to keep the Soaring Eagles off the board.

The Valiants added three more goals in the second half to give Grant her first collegiate shutout on eight saves. Goncalves scored her first of the season six minutes into the second half, giving her team a two-goal edge by scoring in front of the visiting cage. She then assisted on the team's third goal from sophomore Alex Pomato (Niskayuna, N.Y.) in the 64th minute, as Goncalves sent a cross to the back post that found Pomato for her fourth goal of the year, re-tying her with Greene for the team lead. 

Manhattanville wasted no time getting back on the attack, as 36 seconds later junior Alyssa Coughlan (Rye, N.Y.) sent a shot toward the net that was deflected into the back of the net by classmate Alyssa Nardone (Closter, N.J.).

Manhattanville (3-4, 0-0 Freedom) will begin their seven-game Freedom Conference schedule on Saturday at Misericordia at 1 p.m. Elmira (0-5) will host Ramapo on Saturday at 1 p.m.