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Fh 10.11
2
Winner Western New Eng. WNE (11-2)
1
Smith SMI (6-7)
Winner
Western New Eng. WNE
(11-2)
2
Final
1
Smith SMI
(6-7)
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Western New Eng. WNE 0 2 0 0 2
Smith SMI 0 0 0 1 1

Game Recap: Field Hockey |

Kaczka Continues Scoring Onslaught, Field Hockey Defeats Smith, 2-1

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (October 11, 2023) – The Western New England field hockey team needed two goals from Haley Kaczka on Wednesday evening to defeat the hosting Smith College Pioneers, grabbing their 11th win of the season.

How it Happened:
The Pioneers came away with the only three shots in the opening frame, only one of which would make it on goal, which would be handled by WNE starting goalkeeper Ella Henry. No penalty corners were awarded in the opening 15 minutes.

Western New England came away with seven of the eight shots in the second period, dominating much of the attack. Western New England's Taya Buntin, Sarah Johnston, and Haley Kaczka would take shots on goal that were all denied by Abby Halpin, Smith's goalkeeper, and a defensive save by Kyleigh Poot would keep WNE off the scoreboard. Haley Kaczka would be awarded a penalty stroke, for which she has recorded three of her six goals this season. Kaczka would make no mistake with the shot, burying the goal into the bottom left of the net to give Western New England a 1-0 lead. WNE would finish the second quarter with another goal, this time coming on a penalty corner to give the Golden Bears a 2-0 lead. Olyvia Whyte would insert the penalty corner for Analise Trani, who then found Haley Kaczka, who found the back of the net for her second time on the night and eighth time this season, giving the Golden Bears a 2-0 lead at halftime. WNE was awarded four penalty corners in the second frame.

Smith would record the final six of seven shots of the game, as Western New England would record just one second-half shot. Smith put together three shots on goal in the third frame, while Ella Henry recorded all three saves. The Pioneers would get on the board in the fourth quarter with six minutes to play when Caroline McShea recorded her fifth goal of the season to get the Pioneers within a goal. Smith would push for the game-tying goal, though the WNE defense would be too strong, sending Western New England to a 2-1 win.

Inside the Lines:
  • Haley Kaczka's two goals on the night led WNE to victory. The sophomore now has the last five WNE goals and has eight goals this season.
  • Ella Henry finished the night with five saves on six shots on goal.
  • WNE was outshot 10-8 in the contest, though they held the 7-6 shots on goal advantage.
  • WNE avenges a loss last season to Smith, with the last three meetings finishing with a 2-1 score.
Up Next on the Schedule:
  • The Golden Bears welcome Nichols College to Golden Bear Stadium on Saturday, October 14 at 4:00 PM for Senior Day.
 
 
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