PLYMOUTH – Plymouth State University routed the Warriors of Eastern Connecticut State University after first year Kerry D’Ambroise recorded her first career hat-trick contributing to the Panthers’ 6-0 victory on Saturday afternoon in a Little East Conference match-up at Arold Field.
First year Sarah Smith, senior Melanie Bates and sophomore Amanda Sherburne all contributed a goal towards the Panthers’ victorious effort and Amanda Spadafora collected an assist – her fourth of the year.
The PSU Women’s Field Hockey team celebrated Senior Day on Saturday afternoon prior to the beginning of the game. Melanie Bates, Laurie Allinson, Heather Corrigan and Amanda Spadafora were all honored for their contributions to the team. They were greeted with flowers and accompanied by their families.
The Panthers won its second straight game, improving their record to 6-8 overall and 4-6 in the LEC. Eastern Connecticut dropped their fifth straight game falling to 3-12 overall and 3-7 in the LEC. The Panthers and Warriors both entered the game tied for the eighth and final spot in this year’s upcoming Little East Conference Tournament.
Although cold and windy outside, the Panthers opened the game red-hot. It only took a few seconds before the Panthers recorded their first shot of the game off first year goalkeeper Mindy Maher. Only a single minute had passed in the first half before D’Ambroise scored the first goal for the Panthers to earn the quick 1-0 lead. Smith widened the Panthers’ lead to 2-0 only a minute later and never looked back en route to their victory. D’Ambroise’s second goal of the game made it 3-0 by halftime. The Warriors only had one shot against junior goalkeeper Katie Randall, while the Panthers scattered eight shots throughout the first half.
The Panthers opened the second half on an optimistic note while the Warriors’ nightmare continued. Bates, Sherburne and D’Ambroise all scored for PSU in the second half; Smith collected an assist in the second half along with Bates and Sherburne.
“They played a great game. I think the team really stepped it up to do it for the seniors today,” said Panthers head coach Bonnie Lord.
PSU junior Katie Randall earned her first shutout of the year, only being forced to make one save in the effort. Maher collected nine saves for the Warriors.
The Panthers will wrap up their regular season on Saturday when they compete against Framingham State in a Little East Conference match-up.