Field Hockey Knocks Off Wheaton, 2-1

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Junior midfielder Shelby Farland's (Fiskdale, Mass.) goal in the 54th minute snapped a 1-1 tie and lifted the Bridgewater State University field hockey team to a 2-1 victory over visiting Wheaton College on Sunday afternoon at Swenson Field.

The host Bears improve to 5-3 on the season with their fourth straight win, while the Lyons even their 2011 record at 4-4. The two teams were meeting for the first time since the 2008 season.

Farland and BSU senior forward Breanna Clement (Pittsfield, Mass.) both finished with a goal and an assist on the afternoon. Farland setup Clement's goal which came off a penalty corner in the 30th minute to stake the Bears to a 1-0 halftime lead. Clement would return the favor on Farland's game-winning strike.

Sophomore forward Jenna Rocha (Rehoboth, Mass.) scored for Wheaton as she tied the game up at 1-1 in the 47th minute off an assist from classmate Emily Chick (Bangor, Mass.). Chick slid a pass to the middle of the circle and Rocha buried a shot into the left side of the goal.

BSU junior netminder Cassie Johansen (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) was outstanding once again between the pipes for the Bears as she turned aside ten Wheaton shots. The Lyons held a 14-10 shot advantage for the game as well as a 13-8 edge in penalty corner attempts.

Wheaton sophomore goaltender Ellie Massengill (Amherst, Mass.) made five saves on the afternoon.

After Farland's goal, Wheaton had seven penalty corners over the final 16 minutes. The Lyons, however, were unable to get a shot past Johansen who made six of her ten saves during that span.

Bridgewater will travel to Westfield State University on Wednesday night for a seven o'clock Little East Conference game with the Owls. Wheaton hosts NEWMAC foe Wellesley College on Thursday afternoon at four.

Notes: Farland (5G, 2A) and Clement (4g, 3A) have combined to register nine goals and five assists over the last four games.