Davis Makes Six Saves in First Collegiate Start

SOUTH HADLEY, MA -- One second-half goal gave host Mount Holyoke College a 1-0 win over visiting Washington College in the field hockey season opener for both schools this afternoon in South Hadley, MA.

Neither team got a shot off until 16:35 remained in the first half when WC sophomore midfielder Kristen Wille (Stevensville, MD/Kent Island) had a shot saved by Mount Holyoke goalkeeper Katie Gibson.  The Shorewomen fired two more shots before Mount Holyoke's first, which came off the stick of Angela Pascual and was saved by senior goalkeeper Shannon Davis (Sykesville, MD/Liberty) with 8:17 to play in the period. Mount Holyoke took three of the next four shots before a shot by WC senior attack Danielle Rosato (Narvon, PA/Pequea Valley) hit the post with just over a minute left and junior attack Emily Trees (Kensington, MD/Connelly School of the Holy Child) had a shot blocked as time expired and the game remained scoreless heading into halftime.

Rosato took the first shot of the second half, with 31:41 remaining, but Gibson made the save. The Shorewomen took the next three shots of the half as well before the Lyons finally took their first shot of the period with 11:15 remaining as Davis stopped a scoring attempt by Amy Spekhardt. That shot started a flurry for Mount Holyoke as Davis made two more saves in the next 1:09 before Tricia Chase scored off an assist from Taylor Hedges with 8:51 on the clock.  The Lyons tried to mke it 2-0 with 7:36 left, but Davis turned away a shot by Stephanie Slysz. The Shorewomen were unable to record a potential game-tying shot down the stretch as Mount Holyoke held on for the win.

The Shorewomen held a 10-9 advantage in shots in the game. Each team recorded 11 penalty corners.  Davis made six saves in her first collegiate start in the cage, while Gibson made three en route to picking up the shutout.

The Washington College field hockey team opens its home schedule Thursday with a 7:00 p.m. game against Delmarva rival Wesley College.