Dalton, Rizzo score for season-opening win

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Senior Samantha Dalton (Falmouth, Mass.) and freshman Alexandria Rizzo (Hopedale, Mass.) both scored a pair of goals to lead Salve Regina field hockey to a season-opening win, 4-1, over visiting Wheelock College at Gaudet Field.

Dalton put the Seahawks up 1-0 in the first half after receiving a nice pass from junior Kylie Kenney (South Burlington, Vt.). Wildcat sophomore Jenna Ghoman (Danvers, Mass.) tied the score before intermission when put her own rebounded shot past Salve Regina keeper Murphy McCann (Westerly, R.I.).

Sophomore Alexandria Bierce (Roxbury, Conn.) replaced Kenney on the penalty corners midway through the second half and repeatedly fed Rizzo with opportunities at the top of the circle. Rizzo, who earlier had a goal nullified because of its height, scored the game-winner on a penalty corner at 51:53.

Dalton and Kenney combined again 11 minutes later before Rizzo scored her second collegiate goal to complete the 4-1 final. McCann won her goalkeeping debut with one save while sophomore Michelle Greene (Mansfield, Mass.) made seven saves for the Wildcats.

"We made the adjustments in the second half," said Seahawk sixth-year head coach Jennifer Eldridge. "Alex Rizzo and Stephanie Reilly were excellent with passing tonight, more stick to stick. Our forwards really kept up the pressure while our midfield kept the ball out of our defensive zone."

Salve Regina runs its record to 15-1 all-time versus Wheelock and wins its season-opener for the first time since 2003 (a 7-1 win against Wheelock). The Seahawks will host Eastern Connecticut State University (5 p.m.) at Gaudet on Saturday while Wheelock hosts Western Connecticut State University for its home opener.