CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Massachusetts Institute of Technology scored three goals after halftime to defeat the University of New England, 3-1, in a non-conference field hockey match Wednesday evening at Jack Barry Field.
The decision ended a two-game skid for the Engineers (11-3), who stood one spot ahead of the Nor’easters (13-6) in the most recent set of NCAA regional rankings, which were announced earlier in the day. Big Blue dropped a contest for the first time in seven outings.
Despite an 8-2 advantage in penalty corners during the 1st half, MIT found itself trailing in shots (5-4) and on the scoreboard (1-0) at the break. UNE first-year Vonde Saunders scored with just seven seconds remaining in the opening frame to put the visitors in front, making it four games out of the last five with at least one goal for the rookie forward. Classmate Olivia Madore assisted on the play.
The hosts leveled things at 1-1 just over five minutes into the second half on the first shot of the period by Krishna Jaitly.
The Engineers continued to press forward, and broke through for the go-ahead tally by Elizabeth Dethy at the 49:24 mark. A little more than three minutes later, the margin grew to 3-1 on a goal by Caitlin Mackey.
MIT maintained control to the finish, holding UNE without a shot (10-0) or corner (5-0) in the closing 35 minutes.
For the Nor’easters, who close out their conference slate in Biddeford on Saturday against Western New England University, sophomore Holly Smith posted six saves.
UNE 5th in regional rankings
INDIANAPOLIS — The University of New England field hockey team remains fifth in the New England East Region, as the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship Committee released its second round of regional rankings on Wednesday afternoon. The rankings includes games through October 26.
The NCAA has regional advisory committees that rank the top teams from six geographic sections around the country in the three weeks leading up to the selection of the NCAA Championship field. In the New England East, six of the 26 programs are ranked. The national committee considers the regional rankings when selecting and organizing teams for the tournament.
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