Bangor, ME - Husson Field Hockey fell to the Spartans of Castleton Saturday evening in the North Atlantic Conference Championship. Husson allowed five first half goals, trailing 5-0 at halftime. The Eagles stormed back in the second half on the back of Sabrina Vallaincourt, but came up just short.
Blake Wardwell both started and finished the Spartan scoring in the first frame, scoring less than a minute into the game and then again with just over a minute to go in the half. Newly named player of the year Kealy Chipman added two first half goals of her own, one in the 11th minute and again in the 16th. Rachel Preusser also added the first of her three goals on the evening in the 13th minute to round out the 5-0 Spartan lead at the half.
The Eagles came out of the break on fire, scoring three unassisted, unanswered goals off the stick of Vaillancourt to cut the lead to 5-3.
From there on out the teams traded goals, first from Preusser once again who received the helper from Chipman and tallied at 55:58.
Liz Noddin added her lone goal for Husson on the day moments later at 62:01, collecting from Mariah Arno to beat keeper Jessica Galatioto.
The pace of the contest in the latter of the second half was ferocious. Castleton added another score less than two minutes later as Shawna Pinsonault was in the right place at the right
time to put away the seventh Spartan goal. Husson added another goal two-plus minutes and Preusser would seal the deal in the 67th for the eighth and final Spartan goal.
Vaillancourt had the last two tallies for Husson scoring in the 66th and 70th minutes, but the effort just wasn't enough.
Husson led the shot category 21-19, with both teams shooting on cage 14 times. Husson keeper Maicee Gustin made six saves on the night while Galatioto had eight.
Husson finishes the season with a 12-8 overall record while going 8-1 in conference play. The Spartans await their position and opponent in the upcoming NCAA DIII Tourament.
All-Tournament Team
Annie Agnew Farmington
Lily Barry Farmington
Katherine Rich NEC
Rachel Carnaroli NEC
Lid Noddin Husson
Sabrina Vaillancourt Husson
Mariah Arno Husson
Mercedes Maltbie Castleton
Kealy Chipman Castleton
Madyson Martin Castleton
Shannon Burns Castleton
Tournament MVP
Stephanie Bell Castleton
