Field Hockey Falls 3-2 on Late Goal at Simmons

BOSTON, Mass. (10/15/13) – The Lasell College field hockey team fell victim to a late goal as they saw Simmons College claim 3-2 victory on Tuesday night in North Atlantic Conference action. The Sharks improved to 8-7 overall and 2-3 in the NAC, while Lasell dropped to 7-7 for the year and 2-3 in the conference.

Simmons took an early 1-0 lead as sophomore Amy Cronin (Georgetown, Mass.) inserted the ball on a Sharks corner to Gagnon, who crushed a shot past the Lasers defense for the lead. Lasell tied the game at 17:10 into the first half as Samantha Smithers (Yarmouth, Mass.) beat Brianna Rastello (Salem, N.H.) stick side.

Midway through the first half, the Sharks capitalized on another penalty corner as Cronin sent the ball to Robin Powell (Richmond, Vt.) at the top of the circle. Lasells' Taylor Sheehan (Brewster, Mass.) made the save on Powell's attempt but first year Mary Neidhardt (Middlefield, Conn.) was there for the quick pass left to Cronin for the goal.

In the closing minutes of the first half, the Sharks were awarded four consecutive penalty corners but the Lasers defense cleared the zone as time expired.

With ten minutes to play in the second half, Lasell converted on a penalty corner as Ainslee Thompson (Allendale, N.J.) inserted the ball to Ashlee Pechulis (Westfield, Mass.) for the equalizer. The Sharks regained possession and quickly tested Sheehan with three shots by Williamson, Neidhardt and Gabrielle Henderson (Dover-Foxcroft, Maine). Simmons was awarded a corner with 61:13 Junior Kelly Williamson (Natick, Mass.) collected a blistering shot in front of the net from first year Jenna Gagnon (Waterville, Maine) and then beat Lasers goalkeeper Taylor Sheehan to the left side for the go ahead goal.

The Lasers had their final opportunity off a point-blank shot by Smithers that deflected across the goal but Simmons first year Amy Wilson (Falmouth, Mass.) made the game saving defensive save to ensure the Sharks victory.

Simmons held a 22-9 advantage in shots and an 11-3 advantage on penalty corners, while Rastello picked up her second win the year making four saves while Sheehan recorded 15 saves in the loss. 

The Sharks return to action on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Thomas College at 11:00 AM. The Lasers host Framingham State on Oct. 17 at 4:00 PM.