HENNIKER, N.H. – Sophomore
Sarah Adamske (Windham, N.H.) scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season, but it wasn't enough as New England College snuck past Plymouth State University, 2-1, in a non-conference field hockey game at Don Melander Field on Thursday evening.
The game began as a defensive battle as neither team could muster a great scoring opportunity. Graduate student
Kayla Antonucci (Windham, N.H.), manning the cage, and the Panthers' defense allowed only three shots on goal in the first half, keeping the game scoreless into the break.
The Pilgrims got on the board first, nearly halfway through the third quarter to take a 1-0 lead. Antonucci kept the game close as the final frame approached.
With only 5:20 remaining in the contest, PSU was awarded a penalty corner. Freshman
Georgia Coleman (North Conway, N.H.) inserted the ball to Adamske, who ripped a low shot past the NEC goalkeeper to tie the game. Less than a minute later, the Pilgrims earned a penalty corner of their own. The initial shot was blocked by the PSU defense, but NEC was able to jump on the rebound to take the 2-1 lead and the hosts were able to hold on the rest of the way to seal the win.
Plymouth State slips to 3-4, while New England College improves to 7-1.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, NEC 2
- Plymouth State (3-4)
- NEC (7-1)
How it Happened:
- The game began as a defensive battle as it remained scoreless through the first half.
- Antonucci and the Panthers' defense turned away all three shots faced over the first 30 minutes.
- PSU turned up the heat in the third quarter, but the NEC defense closed the door.
- The Pilgrims struck first midway through the third for the 1-0 lead.
- PSU stormed back, peppering the NEC goalie in the fourth quarter.
- The Panthers evened the score on a penalty corner when Adamske ripped one from the shooting arc for her sixth of the season.
- NEC capitalized on a rebound off a penalty corner of its own, taking a 2-1 lead.
- The Pilgrims held on for the win.
By the Numbers:
- Adamske scored her team-leading sixth goal of the season.
- Coleman recorded her first career assist.
- Antonucci finished with six saves.
- PSU had an edge in shots (16-11) and penalty corners (11-6).
- Plymouth State leads the all-time series, 21-10, though NEC has won four of the last five meetings.
Up Next:
- The Panthers head to Gordon on Tuesday (Oct. 1) for a 7:00 p.m. clash with the Fighting Scots.
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