PURCHASE, N.Y. – The Manhattanville College field hockey team took him its second New England Colligate Conference (NECC) win of the weekend, 2-1 over Thomas College. The Valiants are rolling on a five game win streak going undefeated so far in the NECC.
Both teams fought for an early lead in the first quarter showing strength on both sides of the field. The Valiants (9-3) stepped up defensively to send both teams into the second quarter scoreless. Junior
Isela Casillas (Chula Vista, Calif./Eastlake) stopped two cross attempts sent from the Terriers (5-6) and junior
Casey Gilchrist (Mahopac, N.Y./Carmel) intercepted a pass meant for Thomas in front of the net and cleared the ball out.
Following a defensive shutout quarter, sophomore
Zoe Fillebrown (Nashua, N.H./Nashua North) made a save in the beginning of the second to keep the score at zero. Before the half ended the Valiants were able to put one past the Terriers. Junior
Lexi Crites (Middleboro, Mass./Kents Hill School) passed in a penalty corner to senior
Robin Boot (Bedum, Netherlands/H.N. Werkman College). Boot then dribbled the ball in and passed it to freshman
Felicity Williams (Glen Falls, N.Y./Glen Falls) who pushed the ball towards post. Crites was able to get to the post in time to tip the ball past Thomas' goalie MacKenzie Oberholzer.
The Crimson and White's offense came out strong in the third ready to add to the score. Junior
Arnise King (Wilmington, Del./Concord) battled with the Terries defense one-on-one but Alexis Vashon was able to get a defensive save on King's attempt. Following the Valiants first drive, Boot stole the ball away from Thomas. She then dribbled into the circle and ripped her shot past the defense putting the Valiants ahead by two.
Although Thomas was down by two in the fourth, the score did not stop their momentum. After two back-to-back penalty corner opportunities on the third attempt the Terriers got the rebound off of Fillebrown's save and put one past the Valiants. As the game was now a one goal difference intensity got even higher. Thomas' took three more shots but Fillebrown denied the two sent her way.
The team will travel this Saturday, Oct. 12, to Franklin, Mass. to take on NECC opponent Dean College at 3:30 p.m.
