WENHAM, MASS. — Hartford field hockey made program history on Saturday, October 24th, earning their first-ever conference win as a second-year program. The Hawks defeated Gordon College with a final score of 3-1. Hartford broke through in the second half, with goals from sophomore Ava Lipson (Colchester, Vt.), sophomore Kyra Benard (Agawam, Mass.), and freshman Olive Thatcher (Keene, N.H.) securing the insurance goal for the team's final conference game of the season.
Rapid Recap:
- Hartford and Gordon played a scoreless opening period, with both teams looking to establish offensive pressure. The Hawks would earn three penalty corners and generated shots from Benard and freshman Alexina Lentes (Agawam, Mass.), but Gordon goalkeeper Haylee Briggs saved both attempts. Gordon had a penalty corner of its own,while Sarah Bourk sent a shot wide. Hartford's defense and sophomore Carolyn Somers (Worcester, Mass.) kept the game scoreless through the first 15 minutes.
- Hartford applied consistent offensive pressure, earning seven penalty corners and recording six shots. Gordon goalkeeper Haylee Briggs would continue to make several saves, while Rachel Korwan recorded a defensive save on sophomore Eva Nasse's (Wethersfield, Conn.) shot attempt. Somers also stood tall in the cage and was able to make a save on Elizabeth Holden's open look to keep the game scoreless heading into halftime.
- Hartford had a strong third quarter, taking the lead when Lipson scored off an assist from Lentes. Gordon responded with a goal from Sarah Bourk who found the back of the cage to tie the game 1–1, but Benard scored later in the quarter to put Hartford back on top. Hartford continued to create scoring opportunities,but Gordon goalkeeper continued to make several saves to keep the game close. Hartford ended the third quarter with a 2–1 lead.
- Hartford continued to defend its 2-1 lead, with Somers and the Hawks' defense keeping Gordon off the scoreboard. hatcher sealed the victory with her fifth goal of the season in the 59th minute, assisted by Benard. Hartford closed out the 3-1 win to earn the first conference victory in program history.
Inside the Numbers:
- Hartford outshot Gordon 19-5, putting 12 shots on goal compared to Gordon's two.
- The Hawks earned 12 penalty corners, while Gordon recorded five.
- Lipson scored her seventh goal of the season, with Lentes recording the assist. Lentes continues to lead the team in assists marking her sixth on the season.
- Benard tallied her 12th goal of the season and added an assist on Thatcher's goal. Thatcher scored her fifth goal of the season to seal the win.
- Somers played all 60 minutes in goal, recording one save as Hartford limited Gordon to just two shots on goal.
Post Game Press
"It feels great to get the win today, our main goal is to make a statement and earn the victory," says Benard. "I wouldn't of been able to get the goals or assist without my teammates feeding the perfect balls to me. This team is something special and I can't wait to keep building."
Up Next:
With the historic conference victory, Hartford closes its conference schedule on a high note. The Hawks will look to build on the momentum as they end their season with an away match up against Regis College on October 28th at 6:00 PM.
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