HENNIKER, N.H. – The New England College Field Hockey Team celebrated its 12 graduating seniors on Saturday afternoon before hosting the University of Saint Joseph (Conn.) in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup.
NEC led the Blue Jays in the first period, 6-1, in shots. Three different seniors had opportunities to find the net in the opening seven minutes, including senior Conley Ladabouche (Barre, Vt.), senior Kacey McClay (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.), and senior Kameryn Mazzulli (Waterford, Conn.).
The second period was a defensive battle between the 'Grims and the Blue Jays. USJ led the period with three shots, with one coming just two minutes into the frame. However, the NEC defense blocked the attempt.
The Pilgrims were able to break out through senior Kylee Henriquez (Methuen, Mass.), who put a shot wide of the net. The opportunity continued for junior Kennedy Overhoff (Whitefield, N.H.), who beat the goalie and nearly found the back of the net while lying on the ground. Overhoff attempted to tap the ball in with the end of her stick, but USJ defender Alexa Papadopoulos made the save.
After halftime, NEC was unable to capitalize on three penalty corners called in less than a minute. USJ had an opportunity of its own to find the goal, but the Blue Jays were also unable to break through.
Just 1:11 into the fourth period, Grace Kociszewski scored on the rebound of her own shot to give the Blue Jays the lead. NEC continued to battle for the equalizer throughout the remainder of the period but ultimately came up short.
The Pilgrims held a 10-6 advantage in shots on goal, while senior goalkeeper Annie Raduazzo (Amherst, N.H.) made five saves.
Prior to the game, NEC honored its 12 graduating seniors: Neila Jones (Rowley, Mass.), Isabelle Toupin (Derry, N.H.), Leah Bohling (Chesapeake, Va.), Lauren Hall (Belfast, Maine), Adelaide Kelly (Rockport, Maine), Elliott Connor (Henniker, N.H.), and Amy Philbin (Long Island, N.Y.).
NEC will wrap up the first month of competition on Tuesday, Sept. 30, on the road at Elms College.
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