Lasell Field Hockey Shuts Out Wheelock in First Victory of 2010

Newton, MA— Sophomore midfielder Katelyn Fabri (Fairfield, CT) tallied the game-winning goal as Lasell College shut out Wheelock College, 2-0, in non-conference field hockey action on Grellier Field Thursday afternoon.  The victory marks the first win of the season for the Lasers who improve to 1-2 this year, while the Wildcats fall to 0-2.

After a slow start in the early minutes of the contest, Lasell swung the momentum to their favor and controlled possession in Wheelock's backfield for the majority of half.  The Lasers took seven shots between the 24^th and the 27^th minute.

Lasell's first close-call came from Natasha Wood (White River Junction, VT) slicing a shot high through the air towards the Wildcat goalkeeper Meredith Race (Marion, MA) who swatted away the potential threat.

Lasell's Sara Jannuzzi (Glen, NH) then challenged Race forcing the goal keeper out of the net. Jannuzzi's shot was saved, however, Hannah Cebry (Burlington, CT) picked up the loose ball to take a shot on the open net which a Wheelock defender illegally turned away resulting in Lasell being awarded a penalty stroke which was taken by freshman forward Hillary Joseph (Cranford, NJ). Race was able to stop the penalty shot, maintaining the scoreless period through 25:04.

Exactly twenty seconds after the penalty stroke, Lasell connected with the back of the net when Fabri picked up a deflected shot by Wood and locked in her first goal of the season. Fabri's goal was unleashed from the right wing and placed perfectly into the middle of the net. The home team sustained their 1-0 lead into the break.

Lasell net minder Christine Thornton (Canton, MA) preserved a first half shut out with three saves in the stanza.  The Lasers took seven total shots in the period, as compared to the Wildcats four.  Wheelock did receive five penalty corner chances in the half, while Lasell had a single opportunity.

In the second half, the Lasers limited Wheelock to just one shot due in large part to defenders Ainsley Wolfe (Derry, NH) and Amanda Gorski (Wethersfield, CT), both of whom made big plays in the Lasers backfield. 

At 64:43, Tia Pratt (Oxford Hills, ME) scored Lasell's insurance goal picking up a pass from Gorski at the 25 yard line and traveling with quick stick moves through three defenders before propelling the shot from 10 yards out. 

Thornton secured her first season, and fourth career shutout in the Lasers net, turning away four shot attempts.  Race was credited with six saves in the losing effort.

Lasell hits the road for the first time this season for a Saturday showdown with St. Joseph's College of Maine.  The game is set for 1:00 p.m. on September 11^th.