HENNIKER, N.H. – New England College field hockey wrapped up its home schedule Wednesday night, falling to in-state rival Colby-Sawyer College, 2-1.
The Pilgrims controlled the early action in the opening period, as sophomore Mary Kelley (Cumberland, R.I.) recorded NEC's first shot of the game. Her attempt hit the post, but Kelley collected the rebound and fired again, forcing a save from the Chargers' goalkeeper. NEC outshot Colby-Sawyer, 5-2, in the opening period, while senior Annie Raduazzo (Amherst, N.H.) made her first save of the night to keep the game scoreless.
After opening the second period with two shots, the Pilgrims faced sustained pressure from the Chargers. Senior Neila Jones (Rowley, Mass.) made two crucial defensive saves, putting her body in front of the ball to help protect the NEC goal. Colby-Sawyer broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Brooke Farquhar scored off an assist from Jillian Fredette. The Pilgrims looked to respond before the half, with three different 'Grims recording shots in the closing minutes, but none found the equalizer.
Raduazzo opened the third period with a save, helping NEC regain momentum and apply pressure in search of the equalizer. Kelley and senior Kameryn Mazzulli (Waterford, Conn.) each recorded a shot following a penalty corner. Shortly after, the Chargers threatened to extend their lead when Lily Goerlich's attempt struck the post, keeping the deficit at one.
With just over three minutes remaining in the third period, junior Kennedy Overhoff (Whitefield, N.H.) gained possession near midfield and found senior Adelaide Kelly (Rockport, Maine) just outside the shooting circle. Kelly sent a pass across to senior Kylee Henriquez (Methuen, Mass.), who redirected the ball into the bottom-right corner of the cage to even the score at 1-1.
The game remained tied until the 57th minute, when Farquhar netted her second goal of the night to put the Chargers back in front and secure the 2-1 victory.
Kelley finished with two shots on goal, while Raduazzo recorded four saves for the Pilgrims.
NEC concludes its home schedule with a 6-2 record on its home field and will wrap up conference play on the road Saturday, Oct. 24, against Regis College.
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