PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Senior
Katie Porrello (Milford, Conn.) scored and freshman
Natalie Merrick (East Longmeadow, Mass.) made 11 saves, but the University of Southern Maine got past Plymouth State University, 4-1, in a Little East Conference (LEC) field hockey game at Panther Field on Tuesday evening.
The Huskies controlled play for much of the first half, leading 3-0 at the break despite Merrick's eight saves. PSU bounced back after the Huskies added a fourth goal. Junior
Sarah Adamske (Windham, N.H.) found some space inside the shooting arc and sent a blast towards the Huskies' cage, but the USM goalie tracked the shot through traffic and turned it aside.
Late in the third quarter, Porrello got past a USM defender and fired one five-hole to give the Panthers some life, cutting the margin to 4-1 as the game moved into the final frame. Plymouth State gave the Huskies everything they had throughout the fourth quarter, but the USM defense cleared each chance before they could capitalize.
Plymouth State dips to 5-10 (1-4 LEC), while Southern Maine improves to 11-8 (4-1 LEC).
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, Southern Maine 4
- Plymouth State (5-10, 1-4 LEC)
- Southern Maine (11-8, 4-1 LEC)
How it Happened:
- Southern Maine controlled play in the second quarter, scoring three times to take a 3-0 lead into halftime.
- Merrick made several key saves to keep the game within reach.
- The Huskies added another goal early in the third.
- PSU pushed back with some offensive pressure.
- Adamske fired one through traffic, but the USM goalie was able to turn it aside.
- Senior Ellie Monahan (Watertown, Mass.) sent a long pass to Porrello, who got to the ball just before the Huskies' goalie before tapping it through her legs to make it 4-1.
- The Panthers' offense continued to press but was unable to cash in as USM held on for the win.
By the Numbers:
- Porrello is tied for the team lead with six goals.
- Merrick finished with 11 saves.
- Plymouth State is 27-18 all-time against USM.
Up Next:
- Plymouth State travels to WestConn on Saturday (Nov. 1) for the regular season finale.
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