University of Hartford

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Hartford field hockey team traveled to Springfield, Mass., on Saturday, October 10, to face conference opponent Western New England. The Hawks battled the Golden Bears for 60 minutes, but the home team's offensive pressure proved too much as Western New England secured a 6-0 victory at Golden Bear Stadium.

Rapid Recap

• Western New England applied pressure early, controlling possession for much of the first quarter. The Golden Bears opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Tessa Ebreo found the back of the cage off a pass from Analise Trani. Hartford recorded two shots in the opening period, including a late opportunity from freshman Olive Thatcher (Keene, N.H.), whose attempt was blocked by a Golden Bear defender. Western New England recorded three shots in the first quarter.
• The Golden Bears continued to dictate the pace in the second quarter, registering 11 shots and earning five penalty corners. Freshman goalkeeper Leah Miller (Guilderland, N.Y.) kept Hartford within reach, recording nine saves during the period. However, Western New England doubled its lead in the 25th minute when Maddie Ripley finished a pass from Mikayla Mrzywka to give the home team a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
• Hartford looked to generate an offensive spark after the break, recording six shots in the third quarter. The Hawks created an opportunity off a penalty corner when sophomore Ashley Taylor (South Deerfield, Mass.) sent a pass to sophomore Ava Lipson (Colchester, Vt.), whose shot was saved by Western New England goalkeeper Alex Tardugno. Despite Hartford's efforts, Mrzywka extended the Golden Bears' lead with back-to-back unassisted goals, scoring in the 41st and 48th minutes to complete the third-quarter scoring and give Western New England a 4-0 advantage. Miller continued to battle in goal, adding six saves during the quarter.
• Western New England added two more goals in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Mrzywka completed her hat trick in the 58th minute, scoring her third consecutive goal and bringing her season total to 14. Just over a minute later, Jenna Nigro capped the scoring with an unassisted finish off a pass from Olivia Lugo in the 59th minute to secure the 6-0 result.

• Western New England outshot Hartford, 28-9, and held a 22-3 advantage in shots on goal. 
• Mikayla Mrzywka scored three consecutive goals in the second half, bringing her season total to 14. 
• Miller recorded 16 saves, including nine in the second quarter and six in the third. Western New England's Alex Tardugno finished with three saves. 
• Western New England held an 11-9 edge in penalty corners.