By Nick Pantages
@nick_pantages22
Field Hockey: In their only game of the week, the Pride came away with a dominant 2-0 win over Smith College.. It was a big win, as they are right on the edge of qualifying for the conference tournament. The Pride came out aggressive in the first half, scoring a goal apiece in the first and second period. Audrey Hayes scored in the first, while Kaitlin Bardellini added one in the second. Defensively, Remy Niland stopped all eight shots against her, helping her win NEWMAC Field Hockey Defensive Athlete of the Week.
Football: Mike Cerasuolo’s squad gained sole possession of first place in the NEWMAC with its 31-21 win over Salve Regina. They were in control from the start of the game, getting a stop and finding the endzone on the first two possessions. From there, the lead was extended with a pair of touchdowns and a field goal, pushing the lead to 24-0. They were able to stave off Salve’s comeback effort at the end of the game with a clock-killing drive. Jacob Silvester accounted for three touchdowns, running for two and throwing another to Bradley Barcello, with Arsen Shtefan also finding paydirt.
Men’s Soccer: The Pride took home a point in a scoreless draw against No. 8 Babson and fell on the road to Wheaton. The game against Babson was an unexpected result, as it was the first conference matchup the Beavers had lost this season. Against Wheaton, the Pride allowed a 64th minute score that proved to be the only score of the game. Goalkeeper Noah Pote made five saves in both games. Sitting at sixth place in the standings, the Pride’s final game is a must-win to qualify for the six team conference tournament.
Women’s Soccer: Kristin Cannon’s team clinched their spot in the NEWMAC tournament this week with a draw against WPI and a win over Wellesley. The Engineers were able to score in the first half, but Kate Minoudis headed in a Sonia Dugger free kick to equalize for Springfield. Kayla McGrath scored two first-half goals against Wellesley, with Meredith Healy and Natalya Pennant providing the assists. Taryn Ryan registered 19 saves in the pair of games and won NEWMAC Women’s Soccer Defensive Athlete of the Week for her stellar performance.
Women’s Volleyball: The 16 game winning streak came to a close at the New England Challenge this week. The Pride lost their first two games, to Middlebury College and a five-set thriller to Tufts, before rebounding for a clutch 3-2 reverse sweep victory over hosts Williams. Springfield used that momentum to sweep WPI on Tuesday. Riley Donahue continued her stellar season, racking up 94 kills, 41 digs, 10 aces and six total blocks. Natalie Billet also had a big week, totaling 45 kills and setting a season high with 17 in the five-set loss to Tufts.
Photo courtesy of Springfield Athletics.