GORHAM, Maine – Freshman goalkeeper
Natalie Merrick (East Longmeadow, Mass.) made 10 saves, but third-seeded University of Southern Maine edged past sixth-seeded Plymouth State University, 1-0, in the first round of the Little East Conference (LEC) Field Hockey Tournament at Hannaford Field on Tuesday evening.
The Panthers' defense was stingy throughout the first half, allowing just one shot on goal and keeping USM from generating any quality scoring chances. Plymouth State fired three shots on target but was unable to break through, sending the teams into halftime knotted at 0-0.
The hosts came out firing in the third quarter and managed to sneak one past Merrick to take a 1-0 lead. PSU pushed to find an equalizer but couldn't convert, and the one-goal margin carried into the fourth quarter.
The final frame was much like the third, featuring back-and-forth action with limited scoring chances for either team. Junior
Sarah Adamske (Windham, N.H.) ripped a shot off a penalty corner with nine minutes to play, but a Southern Maine defender deflected it away. Adamske added another look in the final minute, but her bid went just wide as USM held on to advance.
Plymouth State ends its season at 5-12, while USM improves to 12-9 and moves on to face second-seeded Keene State in Thursday's semifinal.
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 0, Southern Maine 1
- Plymouth State (5-12)
- Southern Maine (12-9)
How it Happened:
- Merrick and the PSU defense stood tall in the first half, allowing just one shot on goal as the game remained scoreless into halftime.
- USM seized momentum early in the second half and broke through for the game's only goal in the third quarter.
- PSU pushed back and Adamske rifled a shot off a corner that was headed toward the near post, but a defender's stick deflected it wide.
- Adamske fired another shot in the last minute of play, but it sailed just wide.
- USM held on for the 1-0 win to advance to the semifinals.
By the Numbers:
- Merrick finished with 10 saves and wrapped up her rookie season with 179 saves in 17 games, averaging over 10 per game.
- Senior Katie Porrello (Milford, Conn.) led the team in goals (8) and points (22).
- Senior Ellie Monahan (Watertown, Mass.) posted a team-high eight assists.
- Senior defender Kyla Napolitano (Warwick, R.I.) anchored the back line with 11 defensive saves.
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