PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Seniors
Taylor Healey (Campton, N.H.) and
Athena Comeau (Rutland, Mass.) scored, but it wasn't enough as Plymouth State University fell to Roger Williams University, 6-2, in a non-conference field hockey game at Panther Field on Wednesday evening.
The Panthers' offense started the game hot as they pressured the RWU defense in the early stages. Healey opened the scoring when she received a pass from graduate student
Alessia Salzillo (Saugus, Mass.) on a penalty corner with 2:24 remaining in the first quarter. Senior
Jenna Freni (Lynnfield, Mass.) made a desperation block to keep the visitors off the board, but they were awarded a penalty stroke and converted to even the score with just one second remaining in the first.
The Hawks pulled ahead when they took a shot from the perimeter the eluded senior goaltender
Kayla Antonucci (Windham, N.H.). Healey nearly evened the score minutes later when she stole an errant RWU pass and went in alone, but she was denied by the Hawks' goalkeeper.
PSU kept the pressure on, but the ball found its way downfield. The Hawks fired a shot that Antonucci was able to steer aside, but the rebound was right to a nearby RWU player that buried it for a 3-1 lead with under five minutes remaining in the first half.
In the first minute of the fourth quarter, Comeau received a pass from Healey and went in alone to bury her seventh of the season to cut the deficit to one. Less than a minute later, with a scramble in front of the PSU cage, the guests were awarded another penalty stroke. Antonucci was able to get a piece of it, but the ball redirected into the net to restore the two-goal lead for the Hawks and RWU would tack on two more goals late to account for the final score.
Plymouth State dips to 6-2, while Roger Williams moves to 9-2.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 2, Roger Williams 6
- Plymouth State (6-2)
- Roger Williams (9-2)
How it Happened:
- Healey got PSU on the board first with her tenth of the season.
- RWU evened the score on a penalty stroke with one second remaining in the quarter.
- The Hawks pulled ahead early in the second quarter when a shot eluded Antonucci.
- PSU pressured, but the Hawks' defense was equal to the task.
- A ball found its way past the Panthers and RWU came down field on a rush.
- The initial shot was handled by Antonucci, but the rebound was put home to extend the visitor's lead.
- The third quarter didn't turn up any scoring, but both teams had multiple opportunities.
- Comeau scored her seventh of the season just under a minute into the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to one.
- RWU answered back to restore the two-goal margin.
- The Hawks added an insurance goal moments later.
- The visitors were awarded another penalty stroke after Antonucci made a sprawling save. This time Antonucci was up to the task.
- RWU added one more to account for the final score.
By the Numbers:
- Healey scored her team-leading tenth goal of the season.
- Comeau's tally was her seventh of the year.
- This was the first meeting between the two schools.
Up Next:
- The Panthers visit Keene State for a key Little East Conference (LEC) matchup on Friday (Oct. 6). Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.
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