Seahawks challenge Pioneers but fall 2-0

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. -- Salve Regina field hockey paralleled the Smith College Pioneers aggression and speed-of-play, yet fell 2-0 Saturday at Gaudet Field in the team's second NEWMAC contest of the season. 

The two teams fought the wind and driving rain relentlessly, both determined to achieve a NEWMAC win. In the end, the Seahawks posted a formidable defense and kept the ball moving yet could not execute the goals they needed to match the Pioneers. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Salve Regina 0, Smith 2
Records: Salve Regina (4-2), Smith (3-5)
All-Time Series: The two teams have only met once before in 2015 and it was a 4-1 loss for Salve Regina. 

NOTEWORTHY:

• The game was back-and-forth right from the beginning. Neither team gave an inch to the other and no one scored during the first period.
• In the second quarter Smith saw an opportunity and Callahan Day scored with an assist from Laura Dreher which brought the halftime score to 1-0. 
• Again, the third period was scoreless with Smith fighting to hold their lead and Salve Regina on the hunt for points on the board. 
• In the fourth quarter, 53:39 into the game Smith's Elena Korinek scored an unassisted goal, the final point of the day, which made the final score 2-0 in favor of the Pioneers.
• Shannon Kennedy and Jordyn Pineau lead Salve Regina's shooting with seven and six shot attempts respectively. 
• Salve Regina had eight corner kick opportunities and Smith had six, however neither team took advantage of the kick to score. 
• Goalkeeper, Bryn Protheroe made 16 saves for the Seahawks. 

COACH THOUGHTS:

"We had our opportunities to score especially in the fourth quarter but failed to capitalize," said head coach Jennifer Foster. "Along with a couple defensive breakdowns, that really was the difference in the game. The effort is there but right now our execution is off and we know moving forward we need both to be successful." 

ON THE HORIZON: 

The Seahawks will be on the road for their next contest in Dudley Mass. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 against Nichols College at 7 p.m. Nichols is a member of the Commonwealth Coast Conference, a former conference rival for Salve Regina.