PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Freshman goalie
Natalie Merrick (East Longmeadow, Mass.) made 12 saves and sophomore
Georgia Coleman (North Conway, N.H.) scored, but it wasn't enough as Thomas College slipped past Plymouth State University, 3-1, in a non-conference field hockey game at Panther Field on Tuesday evening.
Thomas had the field tilted in its favor to start the contest, but Merrick made some key stops to keep the game scoreless. PSU's offense responded and earned a couple great opportunities that were turned away by the Terriers' defense, as the game remained 0-0 through the end of the first quarter.
The Plymouth State defense was tested early in the second, and freshman
Cassidy Leger (Bellingham, Mass.) made a huge block to keep the game even. Moments later, the Terriers broke through to take a 1-0 lead. Merrick and the Panther defense turned away three straight penalty corners to keep it a one-goal game at halftime.
The second half began with another push by Thomas, as the visitors doubled their lead midway through the third. With just under four minutes left in the frame, junior
Sarah Adamske (Windham, N.H.) drove a hard shot at the net which Coleman deflected into the cage to make it 2-1.
The Terriers added an insurance goal late in the game to hold on for the 3-1 win.
Plymouth State dips to 4-6, while Thomas improves to 8-4.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 1, Thomas 3
- Plymouth State (4-6)
- Thomas (8-4)
How it Happened:
- Merrick made several big saves early to keep Thomas at bay.
- PSU's offense made a late push, but the Terriers' defense was equal to the task as the first quarter ended 0-0.
- Merrick and the PSU defense turned away three straight Thomas penalty corners late in the second quarter, but the visitors were able to break through in the 20th minute to take a 1-0 lead into halftime.
- Thomas doubled the lead in the 37th minute, but Coleman answered four minutes later when she redirected Adamske's blast into the back of the cage.
- The visitors added an insurance goal in the 50th minute to account for the final score.
By the Numbers:
- Merrick made 12 saves in the loss.
- Coleman's goal was her fourth of the season.
- PSU leads the all-time series, 6-5, though Thomas has won four straight matchups.
Up Next:
- The Panthers visit Husson on Saturday (Oct. 11) at 1:00 p.m.
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