Senior captain Katie Bonney (Auburn, Maine) scored the game-winning goal as the Simmons College field hockey team edged Western New England College, 2-1, in non-league action on Thursday evening at the Winsor School Field. With the win, the Sharks improve to 2-8 on the season while WNEC drops to 0-9.
The Golden Bears struck first as sophomore Aimee O'Connell scored off a pass from senior Caitlin Gelber 28 minutes into the match.
In the second half junior Emily Sypher (Orono, Maine) netted the game-tying goal at the 46:11 mark, her first goal of the season. With eight minutes remaining in the match, the Sharks struck again as senior Katie Bonney tipped the game-winner in the goal cage off a pass from freshman Lee Sutherland, making the final score 2-1.
"Lee Sutherland was outstanding on offense, hustling to every ball, pressuring the defense, and creating many of our scoring opportunities," said Head Coach Kate Leonard.
Simmons goalkeeper Jen Szkolt (Bondsville, Mass.) made five saves while Western New England's Lindsey Orszulak had seven stops for the Golden Bears.
"Our second half tonight is the kind of play we need to see throughout the entire game," said Leonard. "On Sunday we will look to start and end with that same high level of intensity and desire for the win. Communication has been a weak point and we hope to step it up a notch in the next few games."
The Sharks return to action on Sunday, October 5 at 12:00 p.m., as they travel to Weston, Mass. to take on Regis College at the Rivers School.
Match Notes:
Freshman Lee Sutherland tallied a game-high five shots on goal.