SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore Ella Duchette recorded seven saves as the Husson University field hockey team battled Springfield College before falling 1-0 in non-conference action Wednesday.
Husson (2-7) withstood early pressure from Springfield (7-3), keeping the Pride off the scoreboard despite eight shots and six penalty corners in the opening quarter. Duchette stopped Sophia Sares in the second minute before senior Jazmin Johnson recorded a defensive save on an attempt from Clare Moore in the fourth minute.
Duchette added stops on Amber Wolkner and Ava Coppola later in the quarter to preserve the scoreless tie.
The Eagles generated opportunities in the second quarter while holding Springfield without a shot. Senior Faith Tillotson sent an attempt wide in the 21st minute before sophomore Maddie Morin forced Pride goalkeeper Sam Orcutt into a save following a penalty corner in the 26th minute. Morin added another attempt a minute later, but the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Springfield broke through just 38 seconds into the third quarter, as Moore scored off an assist from Maddie O'Brien following a penalty corner to give the Pride a 1-0 advantage.
Husson continued to battle, with freshman Morgan Hersey sending a shot wide in the 38th minute. Duchette then stopped attempts from Alyssa Forget and Samara Skully just 20 seconds apart in the 40th minute to keep the deficit at one.
The Eagles threatened again in the 41st minute when Hersey and senior Elisa Picariello put shots on target six seconds apart, but Orcutt stopped both attempts. Duchette added another save on Rachel Simkewicz in the 44th minute as Husson entered the final quarter trailing 1-0.
Freshman Grace Allen sent an attempt wide in the 50th minute, while Duchette denied Simkewicz once more in the 57th minute for her seventh save.
Husson pushed for a late equalizer, earning four penalty corners over the final 1:17. Sophomore Addie Twitchell's attempt was blocked in the final minute, and Springfield held on for the victory.
Springfield finished with an 18-8 advantage in shots, including a 9-3 margin in shots on goal, and held an 18-5 edge in penalty corners.
Husson will look to bounce back on Saturday as it opens conference play against the University of Maine at Farmington. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
