By Emma Bynes @emma_bynes4
Springfield field hockey could not have had a better day if they tried on its senior day today. After a 2-0 win against Smith, the Pride, now 7-10, pushed themselves into the sixth seed in the NEWMAC conference to aid in their hope for a playoff spot.
Although it was chilly outside, the Pride started off the game with great energy, with good vibes all around Stagg Field. Springfield started off the game looking to be aggressive, and not letting up any pressure.
A last minute goalie change from Kaitlyn Parent to senior Neilee Hess did not cause the Pride defense to lose a step. Hess made four saves in her shutout victory. The Pride earned a penalty corner with two minutes left in the first period, but they did not capitalize and the first quarter would remain scoreless.
The second quarter started similarly, with Springfield aiming to push the ball and pull ahead early. Hailey Gaydos was tripped up on a good look, and the Pride once again didn’t finish. Gaydos got another opportunity a minute later, and was blocked twice by Smith before graduate student Emma McLaughlin tapped in a goal to put the Pride up 1-0.
With two minutes left in the half, the Pioneers had their first shot of the entire game off, but Hess was there to make a save. The Pride maintained their 1-0 lead, heading into the break with loads of energy.
To start the second half, Springfield once again had a great possession early, but a shot missed wide right. It was clear Smith was coming out more aggressively than before. With eight minutes left in the third quarter, Hailey Gaydos earned a penalty corner for the team after a one-on-one opportunity. The Pride did not score on that attempt, but in the process earned another penalty corner.
Junior Sarah Healy can always be heard yelling “We love corners” from the sideline on every single corner.
“I get a lot of feedback from my teammates saying that it pushes them on the field to play harder and do their best,” Healy said. “It motivates me to be more energetic so they can give their best out there.” Healy’s energy is contagious, and her teammates supported her message by scoring shortly after.
After some confusion, and lots of bodies getting tripped up, the Pride earned another penalty stroke for Nicolette Morlock. Morlock took advantage and gave Springfield College some insurance — putting them up 2-0.
With a two score lead to start the fourth, all the Pride needed to do was maintain possession and survive. Smith looked to comeback, but a great save by Hess left them searching for answers on the following penalty corner, where Springfield’s defense would hold strong again. Gaydos once again had an isolated chance to put the ball in, but was blocked by Smith goalie Emma Newman. Smith earned a penalty corner with three minutes left in the game, yet the Pride stifled them again to win 2-0.
The Pride have their final regular season game at Clark University on Saturday, Nov. 2. They look to secure a bid into the NEWMAC conference tournament, where they are in contention with Salve Regina and Smith for the final two spots.
Photo Courtesy of Emma Bynes/TheStudent