Field Hockey Drops 3-1 MASCAC Decision to Westfield

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- The visiting Westfield State University field hockey team posted a 3-1 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) victory over Bridgewater State University on Saturday afternoon at Mazzaferro Field.

The Owls improve to 5-6 on the season and 3-1 in the MASCAC while the Bears slip to 2-6-1 overall and 0-4 in conference play. Bridgewater and Westfield have met every season since 1980 with the Bears holding a 25-21-2 edge in the all-time series (17-8 at home).

Westfield got on the board midway through the first quarter. Sophomore forward Kaleigh Murphy (Pembroke, Mass.) redirected a close-range shot by senior forward Skyla Harthcock (Martha's Vineyard, Mass.) following a crossing pass from freshman forward Ashley D'Elia (Watertown, Conn.).  For Murphy, the goal marked her team-leading sixth of the season.

Junior forward Taylor Creech (Kennebunk, Maine) tapped home the rebound of a Sarah Richard (Sr., Templeton, Mass.) shot to make it a two-goal Owl advantage 2:44 into the fourth quarter.

Bridgewater broke up the shutout bid with 3:27 left to play. Freshman midfielder Abbie Zuber (Westport, Mass.) blasted a shot from the top of circle that was stopped by the right pad of sophomore goalkeeper Emma Gniadek (Worcester, Mass.). BSU sophomore forward Lexi James (Ipswich, Mass.) corralled the rebound near the goal line and slipped a shot into the unguarded net for her team-leading sixth goal of the 2023 campaign.

Westfield answered a little over a minute later as freshman defender Lee Gould (Southborough, Mass.) scored off a penalty corner to put the finishing touches on the 3-1 win. Creech kept the play alive after the initial save by BSU freshman keeper Kailey Hutchinson (Fall River, Mass.). The ball got behind the netminder and Gould it tapped the ball over the goal line for her first collegiate goal.

Westfield finished with a slight 14-13 shot advantage while penalty corner attempts were even at three apiece.

Gniadek made seven saves to pick her second win of the season. Senior defender Morgan Wichmann (Granby, Conn.) added a defensive save for the visitors.

Hutchinson turned aside nine shots in the setback. 

The Bears are off until next Friday night when they travel to Fitchburg State University for a 6:30 MASCAC game with the Falcons. The Owls host the Wolves of Western Connecticut State University on Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock.