Monks Sneak Past Lasers in Final Minutes of Pivotal NAC Contest

Newton, Mass.- The NAC league leaders St. Joseph's of Maine came to Lasell College today for a conference field hockey game, on Grellier Field.  The Monks struck in the final four minutes of the contest to steal away with a 2-1 victory, and remain the only undefeated team in the North Atlantic Conference.

Lasell took the first lead 13:13 into the contest when Sara Jannuzzi (Glen, NH) sent a penalty corner chance to teammate Justine McComb (Bloomfield, Conn.) who knocked it into the back of the cage.

In the 19^th minute, Julia Ostrowski (Albany, NY) dodged defenders on her way to the Lasers' net to try and even the score for the Monks.  However, Laser goalkeeper Christine Thornton (Canton, Mass.) made a fantastic save between the pipes, kicking away the opportunity.

Just one minute later, Ostrowski did equalize the scoreboard however, with a similar play to the last. This time, however, she defeated Thornton with a goal, at 17:57.  The teams broke for the half in a 1-1 stalemate.

The second half proved to be an even matchup as the Lasers and the Monks battled to break the deadlock. Neither team was without chances, yet the defense on each side provided excellent coverage. 

Thornton was particularly strong between the bars, taking away multiple close-calls for the Monks. St. Joseph's took 10 shots in the half, while Lasell attempted six, but neither team was able to capitalize.

Then, with just 3:56 remaining in regulation, Sarah Bartell (Exeter, NH) placed a short range shot into the left corner of the net to secure the Monks perfect NAC record.   Bartell picked up the pass off a jumble in front of the Lasell net.

St. Joseph's goalkeeper Meaghan Johnson (Portland, ME) turned away 10 Laser shots en route to the Monks seventh league victory, and 14^th overall win. The win also secured the regular season championship for the Monks, and first place standing heading into the NAC tournament.

 Thornton produced 11 saves in net for the Lasers.

Lasell ends the day at 7-10 overall and 3-4 in the conference. The Lasers will host Framingham State College on Wednesday, October 28^th at 3:30 p.m., on Grellier Field, in their final regular season matchup.