Field Hockey Blanked by Plymouth State, 5-0

NEW HAMPTON, N.H. -- The Plymouth State University field hockey team received goals from five different players as the host Panthers cruised to a 5-0 shutout victory over visiting Bridgewater State University in Little East Conference action on Friday night in New Hampton, New Hampshire.

The Panthers improve to 6-2 on the season and 4-1 in the Little East, while the Bears fall to 2-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

Sophomore forward Kaihley Rafferty (Salem, Conn.), junior defender Patty Newhard (South Dennis, Mass.), freshman forwards Grace Montgomery (Boscawen, N.H.) and Haley Wakefield (South Paris, Maine), and senior midfielder Katie Martin (Waterbury Center, Vt.) all found the back of the net for Plymouth State. Newhard and Martin also recorded one assist apiece.

The Panthers, who led 3-0 at halftime, finished with a 20-11 shot advantage for the game as well as an 11-4 edge in penalty corner attempts.

Senior goalkeeper Alivia Bates (Pennsauken, N.J.) turned aside four shots between the pipes for the hosts as she recorded her sixth win of the season and first shutout. Newhard helped keep the shutout bid alive with a defensive save early in the second half.

BSU junior Allison Chappell (Raynham, Mass.) and sophomore Jillian Delaney (Foxboro, Mass.) combined to make ten saves in goal for Bridgewater State. Chappell and Delaney each played a half. The Bears also received defensive saves from senior defender Katherine McKenna (Wilmington, Mass.) and sophomore midfielder Kathryn Jacobson (Norfolk, Mass.).

The Little East schedule continues for both teams next Wednesday night at seven. The Panthers host University of Southern Maine, while the Bears entertain Framingham State University.