Strock's hat trick propels Lyons past Seahawks, 6-1

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Senior Jessica Strock (Centerville, Mass.) scored three goals as the Wheaton College field hockey team exploded for five goals in the second half and rolled to a 6-1 win over Salve Regina University Thursday evening at Gaudet Field.

Junior Bonnie Davies (Roxbury, Mass.) added a goal and an assist for the Lyons (1-0), who improved to 9-1 all-time against the Seahawks. Senior Lindsey Burt (Hopedale, Mass.) scored for the Seahawks (0-1), who were outshot 40-3. The contest was the season-opener for both teams.

Strock staked the Lyons to a 1-0 lead 3:54 into the contest before Burt polished off a penalty corner to even the score at one at 31:40. Senior Brittany Lopes (Lexington, Mass.) inserted the ball to senior Jillian Stanley (Watertown, Conn.), and Burt fired the ball into the back of the cage.

In the second half, the score remained tied until the 51:45 mark when freshman Jenna Rocha (Rehoboth, Mass.) scored her first collegiate goal to put the visitors in front, 2-1. Less than four minutes later, junior Aliza Underhill (Corinth, Maine) converted a pass from senior Margaux Bolte (Belmont, Mass.) to push the lead to 3-1. Following a goal by junior Bonnie Davies (Roxbury, Conn.) at 58:03, Strock scored at 60:06 and 63:03 to cap the scoring.

"We didn't play a complete game. We have to learn to play a complete 70 minutes," said Salve Regina head coach Jen Eldridge. "After we scored late in the first half, we started the second half strong, but we have to sustain that for a full game."

Junior Natalie Balletta (Leominster, Mass.) made 20 saves in defeat for SRU while sophomore Alexa Smith (Suffield, Conn.) did not record a save in earning the victory.

The Seahawks return to action on Saturday when they travel to Eastern Connecticut State for a noon contest. The Lyons travel to Montclair State for a 1 p.m. contest on Saturday.