Sophomore Kara Masse (Portland, Maine) scored the game-winning goal as the Simmons College field hockey team edged Becker, 2-1, in a non-conference contest on Monday night. With the win, the Sharks record their first victory of the season, bringing them to 1-6 overall, while Becker falls to 3-3.
"We won by putting two solid halves together and being aggressive throughout the game," said Head Coach Kate Leonard. "I was proud of how we never let up, it was a complete team effort, and the girls were hungry for the win, which made the difference today."
28 minutes in to the first half, senior captain Katie Bonney (Auburn, Maine), received a pass from freshman Lee Sutherland (Tuftonboro, N.H.) and knocked the ball in to the left corner of the cage. In the 33rd minute of the match Becker's freshman forward Nicole Lijana (Moorestown, N.J.) registered an unassisted game tying goal off a penalty corner. Junior Emily Sypher (Orono, Maine) recorded the game-winning assist in the 43rd minute to forward Kara Masse.
"Katie Bonney and Emily Sypher created tons of offensive opportunities for us, bringing the ball up the wings and getting in on goal, Lee Sutherland really put pressure on the Becker players, creating several turnovers and winning the ball back in our offensive end," said Leonard.
The Hawks out shot the Sharks 10-8, with plenty of chances throughout the game, but Simmons' defense turned away several scoring opportunities for Becker, including five penalty corners.
"On defense, Kelly Garrity (Reading, Mass.) made some key stops that kept out an aggressive and persistent Becker offense," said Leonard. "Kayla Afonso (Lincoln, R.I.) also played a great game by hustling to be in the right place at the right time and blocking up their strongest player."
Junior goalkeeper Jen Szkolt (Palmer, Mass.) registered six saves for the Sharks, Becker's Ciara Lawrence (Costa Mesa, Calif.) was credited with four saves on the evening.
The Sharks return to action on Saturday, September 27 for their North Atlantic Conference opener against Thomas at 1:00 pm at the Winsor School Field.
Match Notes:
The goal scored by Kara Masse was the first in her collegiate career.