WORCESTER, Mass. - The New England College field hockey team fell 3-2 on the road to the Clark University Cougars on Tuesday evening.
The Cougars tested the Pilgrims' defense early in the opening quarter, firing a series of shots that were blocked by the NEC defense. The 'Grims responded with a shot from senior Kacey McClay (Hopewell Junction, N.Y.) that was turned away by Clark goalkeeper Rachel Reiter. Just seconds later, McClay found the back of the cage, giving NEC a 1-0 lead at the end of the opening frame.
The Cougars looked to even the score early in the second quarter, firing a shot on goal, but senior goalkeeper Amy Philbin (Long Island, N.Y.) denied the attempt. Clark earned an early penalty corner and generated several scoring opportunities, but the 'Grims defense stood strong, blocking the shots. The teams continued to battle late in the frame, with McClay firing a shot on goal in an effort to double the lead, but Reiter made the save as the Pilgrims carried their 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Clark continued to apply pressure in the second half, with Sedona Lee scoring eight minutes into the quarter to even the score at 1-1. The 'Grims responded with a scoring opportunity of their own after senior Kylee Henriquez (Methuen, Mass.) fired a shot on frame following a penalty corner. The attempt bounced off Reiter, allowing sophomore Mary Kelley (Cumberland, R.I.) to collect the rebound and find the back of the cage to put NEC back in front, 2-1. The Cougars answered just minutes later, scoring their second goal of the evening to even the contest at 2-2 heading into the final quarter.
The 'Grims looked to regain the lead early in the fourth, with McClay firing a shot that was stopped by Reiter. Clark quickly responded, scoring to take a 3-2 lead with 12 minutes remaining. NEC continued to battle for the equalizer, with freshman Molly Goodwin (Guilford, Maine) putting a late shot on frame, but Reiter made the save as the Cougars held on for the 3-2 win.
Philbin finished the evening with three saves for the Pilgrims, while Reiter recorded seven for Clark.
The Pilgrims return to action Thursday for their home opener, welcoming the Bears of Bridgewater State University to Don Melander Field for a 7:00 PM start.
For continuing coverage of New England College Athletics, visit athletics.nec.edu and follow the Pilgrims on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
