PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Freshman goalie Natalie Merrick (East Longmeadow, Mass.) finished with nine saves, but a first-quarter goal by Johnson & Wales University proved to be the difference as the Wildcats edged Plymouth State University, 1-0, in a non-conference field hockey game at Panther Field on Tuesday afternoon.
 
The Wildcats struck in the 14th minute when a pass from the far side slipped through the defense and was knocked in at the back post. Scoring opportunities were limited the rest of the way, with both defenses effectively clogging passing and shooting lanes.
 
Plymouth State's best chance came in the fourth quarter, when freshman Alex Zaino (Melrose, Mass.) had a look during back-to-back penalty corners, but her shot was just wide, and a redirect attempt was denied.
 
Plymouth State moves to 4-4 on the season, while the Wildcats improve to 6-3.
 
 
The Basics:

• Plymouth State 0, JWU 1
  • Plymouth State (4-1)
  • JWU (6-3)

How it Happened:

• JWU had an early chance during a penalty corner in the 5th minute, but senior Kyla Napolitano (Warwick, R.I.) registered a defensive save to keep the game scoreless.
• Plymouth State earned three corners in the opening frame but couldn't convert.
• The Wildcats grabbed the lead in the 14th minute when a pass snuck through the defense and was knocked home at the back post to make it 1-0.
• Merrick made three saves in the second quarter, but Plymouth State was unable to generate much offense as the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
• The Panthers earned four corners in the third quarter while applying more pressure, but were unable to break through the JWU goalkeeper.
• Pressing for the equalizer in the final minutes, PSU earned consecutive corners. On the first, Zaino's blast sailed wide before a redirect attempt was stopped.
• On the second attempt, senior Katie Porrello (Milford, Conn.) fired a shot from the top of the arc that skipped through traffic. The ball briefly sat loose in front of the cage, but JWU managed to clear and hold on.

By the Numbers:

• Merrick tallied nine saves in the setback.
• Napolitano's defensive save was her fifth of the season.
• JWU held an 18-7 advantage in shots and an 11-4 edge in shots on goal.
• PSU earned nine penalty corners to JWU's seven.
• The teams have met just three times, with JWU now holding a slight 2-1 series lead.

 
Up Next:

• The Panthers travel to Keene State on Saturday (Oct. 4) for a 3:00 p.m. clash with the Owls.

 
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