WATERVILLE, Maine — The Husson University field hockey team generated five penalty corners in the closing four minutes but could not find an equalizer, falling 1-0 to Thomas College in its regular-season finale Saturday afternoon.
The Eagles finished the regular season at 5-10 overall and 3-1 in conference play, while the Terriers improved to 9-11 and 3-1.
Husson applied pressure throughout the opening quarter, recording four shots and five penalty corners while holding Thomas without an attempt.
Sophomore Maddie Morin had a shot blocked in the seventh minute before senior Faith Tillotson sent an attempt wide. Junior Brianna Smith then forced Thomas goalkeeper Mackenzie Toner into a save at 10:37.
The Eagles threatened again late in the quarter, earning consecutive penalty corners before junior Mary Hamblin put a shot on target at 14:24. Samantha Thebarge recorded a defensive save to keep the match scoreless.
Thomas generated opportunities in the second quarter, but sophomore Ella Duchette stopped a Thebarge attempt at 19:36. Husson's defense later blocked a shot from Abby Stevens, and the teams entered halftime tied 0-0.
The Eagles and Terriers remained scoreless through the third quarter. Tillotson sent an attempt wide following a Husson penalty corner in the 35th minute and had another shot blocked at 40:59, while the Eagles blocked both Thomas attempts in the period.
The Terriers broke through at 48:21 when Thebarge scored the lone goal of the contest.
Duchette kept Husson within one with another save on Thebarge at 55:22 before the Eagles mounted a late push.
Husson earned five penalty corners between 56:11 and 57:30, with senior Tessa Capozzoli recording three shots during that stretch. Her first attempt was blocked before Toner stopped a shot at 57:23. Capozzoli had another attempt blocked 10 seconds later, and Thomas held on for the victory.
Capozzoli and Tillotson shared the team lead with three shots apiece, while Morin added two attempts. Smith, Hamblin and Capozzoli each recorded one shot on goal.
Duchette finished with two saves over 60 minutes. Both teams recorded 10 shots and three shots on goal, while Husson held a 12-11 advantage in penalty corners.
Husson will next compete in the CMCFHC championship. The opponent will be Thomas College however the venue and game time will be announced.
