Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (October 16, 2021) – The Western New England University Field Hockey team took care of their CCC opponent, Nichols College on Saturday from Golden Bear Stadium after the Golden Bears got an early goal in the first quarter, followed by two fourth quarter goals to give Western New England the win.
Records:
- Western New England: 8-4 (3-2 CCC)
- Nichols College: 7-8 (0-4 CCC)
How it Happened:
The Golden Bears got started right from the get-go as first year Sarah Johnston started the scoring in the 2nd minute of the game. After the ball was fired into the arch, the Western New England offense and the Nichols College defense looked to gain possession of the ball. Sarah Johnston for the Golden Bears was able to find the ball and fire it in the back of the net, past GK Megan Fuchs to give WNE the early 1-0 lead. Johnson scores her team leading eighth goal of the season. Western New England would outshoot their opponents 8-0 in the opening 15 minutes of the game.
As the game played on, WNE came through with more offensive pressure, not allowing Nichols to get the ball in their attacking third of the field. The Golden Bears would take just a singular shot on goal in the second quarter, while the Bison were held without a shot in the first half. WNE held the 11-0 shot advantage through the first 30 minutes of play. The Golden Bears took 6 penalty corners in the first half, as well.
The third quarter was also dominated by the Golden Bears, again not allowing a shot to their opponent. The Golden Bears took three shots on goal in the quarter but were unsuccessful at finding the back of the net. The fourth quarter of the contest brought the second goal of the game to Western New England as a set up play from Ali Martin to Taylor Klesyk worked successfully. After the ball was put into play, the Golden Bears saw Martin sizzle a ball towards goal that was deflected out of the air and into the goal from Klesyk to give WNE the 2-0 lead. Klesyk tallies her sixth goal of the season for the Golden Bears.
Nichols College would attempt to fight back late in the fourth quarter, getting their first and only two shots in the game on consecutive attempts, though Zoey Wexler came through with the one save on one shot on goal made by Nichols College. Western New England would score their final goal of the game when Sarah Johnston walked into the arch and took a shot that was tipped at the back post by Olivia Eastman, giving WNE the 3-0 lead. Eastman gets her first goal of the season, bringing the Golden Bears to the three-goal advantage. Western New England's defense would not allow much to Nichols College on the afternoon, leading the Golden Bears to a 3-0 victory.
Inside the Lines:
- Three different goal scorers for WNE led the way to victory as Sarah Johnston, Taylor Klesyk, and Olivia Eastman all scored in the win.
- WNE out shot Nichols College 21-2 in the game, and 16-0 through the first three quarters of play.
- Zoey Wexler came away with one save on one attempt in the win. Megan Fuchs made nine saves on 12 shots on goal faced.
Up Next on the Schedule:
- Western New England travels to Connecticut College on Wednesday, October 20 for a 6:30 pm match with Camels.
- Nichols College matches with Endicott College in CCC play on Saturday, October 23.
