NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College field hockey team used a late tally to secure a 3-2 victory over Roger Williams University on Monday evening at Silfen Field.
The Camels pulled in front for good on a penalty stroke by
Maddie Mason (Brentwood, N.H.) that snapped a 2-2 deadlock with 3:27 remaining in regulation. Mason,
Alexa Blaeser (Boxford, Mass.) and
Eloise Montagano (Bedford, N.H.) all found the back of the cage on the day, and
Isabella Carnall (Malvern, Pa.) picked up the win in goal with three saves.
The Hawks pulled ahead early behind a score by Brodie Loveland just 8:26 into the contest. Conn answered right back, however, as Blaeser cleaned up a rebound in front of the net just over a minute later. The goal was the first of her collegiate career.
The lone goal of the second quarter came off the stick of Montagano, who scored off a penalty corner with 4:25 to go in the half.
Serena Moore (Houston, Texas) inserted the ball to the top of the circle, and the flick by Montagano found its way through traffic and into the cage for her first career tally.
Conn led 2-1 at the break and protected the margin until the final minute of the third. The Hawks tied the game on a penalty corner of their own as Anna Kruggel connected with McKenzie Foley for the equalizer.
The Camels pressed for the go-ahead goal in the fourth quarter and finally broke through with less than four minutes to play. Another penalty corner resulted in a shot on goal by
Elizabeth Bonner (Westfield, N.J.) that was blocked by the body of a RWU defender. Conn was awarded the stroke, and Mason stepped up to the spot and beat goalie Shae O'Neill to the stick side.
The Camels did well to drain the next few minutes off the clock, but a late push by the Hawks brought possession into their offensive end for a tense finish. Roger Williams drew four penalty corners in the final seconds—two of which came after time expired—before Conn finally cleared the defensive zone to sound the final horn.
O'Neill finished with five saves for the Hawks, who dropped to 3-1 overall on the year.
Conn (1-1 overall) returns to action at Middlebury College on Saturday, September 12 at 11:00 a.m.
