PREVIEW: Field Hockey Hosts Mount Ida in GNAC Semifinal Matchup

NEWTON, Mass. (10/31/17) -- The Lasell College field hockey team will host crosstown rival Mount Ida in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Semifinal battle on Wednesday November 1st at 3:00pm.  

Lasell is currently in the midst of its best season in program history, as the Lasers finished the regular season 15-3. The Lasers'  three setbacks came in non-conference play, including a 3-1 loss on the road at nationally ranked #14 MIT. On October 21, the Lasers defeated Simmons, clinching the top-seed for the first time in program history, going 7-0 in regular season conference play.

During the lone regular season meeting between the Lasers and Mustangs, Lasell knocked off Mount Ida 6-1 for their ninth victory of the season.

Two-time GNAC field hockey player of the week recipient Nikki Pignone (Ipswich, Mass.) put the Lasers on the board first just under three minutes into the game, connecting with a cross in front of the net from Samantha Taylor (Hanover, Mass.)

Mustangs' leading scorer Lexi Minicucci (Westfield, Mass.) would score the equalizer in the 21st minute, scoring off a corner for Mount Ida's lone goal of the game. Minicucci has recorded 21 goals, seven assists for 49 points this season for the Mustangs. In the second half, the Lasers scored five unanswered goals to secure the conference victory.

Senior goalkeeper Denise Landry (New Milford, Conn.) made two saves in a full 70 minute effort against the Mustangs. Grace Ryan (Livermore Falls, Maine) made 12 saves for Mount Ida in the loss, and currently sits at 97 saves this season.

Landry has led the Lasers to a conference-best .860 save percentage, also good for second in the nation. Lasell sits at sixth in the nation in goals against average, boasting a 0.77, with only 14 goals allowed all season.

Cailin Flannery (Medford, N.J.) has been a consistent catalyst for the Lasers offensively, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists for team second-best 42 points, only three points shy of her career high and program record. Flannery set the program record back in 2015, and was tied earlier this season by Taylor's 45-and-counting points. Boasting a 0.78 assists per game, Flannery is tied for third in the nation.

Mount Ida advanced to the conference Semifinal after defeating Johnson & Wales 1-0 in the GNAC Quarterfinals. The Mustangs avenged a 3-1 mid-season loss to the Wildcats, clinching their first playoff victory in program history. Jennie Morey (Claremont, N.H.) scored the lone goal in the 66th minute to advance the Mustangs.

Both GNAC Semifinals will take place on Wednesday November 1st, with both winners advancing to the conference championship on Saturday November 4th.

The Semifinal showdown is set for 3:00p.m. at Grellier Field, and can be viewed live at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/lasell/.