WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Simmons field hockey (4-1, 3-1 GNAC) returned to their winning ways with a 3-1 victory over the University of St. Joseph (Conn.) (1-4, 1-2 GNAC) in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play Saturday afternoon. 

The Sharks were quick to strike first scoring within the first five minutes off the contest. Striding along the baseline, junior Emilia Elko unleashed a shot that deflected off a USJ defender and into the goal to give Simmons the 1-0 advantage.

Just before the first quarter ended, Simmons struck again. First-year Ava Kahl connected with fellow classmate Nellie Long for her second goal of the game and give the Sharks a 2-0 lead. USJ was able to muster cutting the deficit in half to enter halftime, but the game was in full control of the Sharks.

When the teams returned to the field at the beginning of the third quarter, the Sharks kept momentum in their favor. Elko added her second goal of the game early in the fourth quarter to pad the lead and the Sharks never looked back.

First-year goalkeeper Sam Buck collected second win of the season, improving to 2-0, while registering two saves.

SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Junior Emilia Elko registered two goals four points.
• First-year Nellie Long recorded the game-winner at the end of the first quarter for her second goal of her career.
• First-year goalkeeper Sam Buck improved to 2-0 with two saves in the process.

UP NEXT
Simmons breaks from conference play hosting Clark University on Tuesday, September 19 at 6 p.m.