Springfield, Mass. – September 21, 2013 - The Springfield College field hockey team took an early lead over visiting MIT on Saturday, but the Engineers came out with the 3-2 win in the first NEWMAC match up for the Pride.

MIT was ranked 19th in the country according to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association this week, but the Pride played well, coming out strong and giving the Engineers some late pressure. Springfield drops to 1-4 with the loss and MIT remains unbeaten at 7-0 with the win.

Two quick MIT goals in the first half was the difference, as the Engineers never lost the lead from then on.

Springfield got on the board first though, 11 minutes into the game after dominating possession up to that point. MK Murray (Killingworth, Conn.) got the assist after taking a shot that redirected off the MIT goalie. Springfield's Taylor Friedman (Lebanon, N.H.) came in for the finish, scoring the game's first goal.

One minute later, MIT looked to have an easy goal but the Springfield defense came up huge, making a save to preserve the one goal lead.

It wasn't long after that MIT found the back of the goal. In the 16th minute, MIT's Michelle Teplensky (Somers, N.Y.) gained control of the ball and launched it in from five yards out to tie the game at a goal apiece.

The Engineers took the lead in the 19th minute on another goal from Teplensky. Molly Duffy (New Providence, N.J.) took a shot in traffic and Teplensky tapped the deflection into the goal for a 2-1 MIT lead that the Engineers never lost.

MIT scored 5:02 into the second half on a goal by Duffy for a 3-1 lead. After several shots saved by Springfield goalie Juliana Barrasso (Bayport, N.Y.), Duffy's shot hit the left post and barely crossed the goal line for a two goal lead. The goal was assisted by Teplensky.

Springfield made it interesting late, coming within one goal with 10:53 left in the game. Katie Gill (Wallingford, Conn.) tallied the goal, after the Pride peppered the Engineer cage with several shots. Gill tapped it in from the left side off a deflection to make it a 3-2 game.

The Pride put pressure on MIT late in the game, with several opportunities on penalty corners, but the Engineers were just able to hold on for the win.

Timarie Villa (Mashpee, Mass.) made two saves in the first half for Springfield and Barrasso made three in the second half. MIT's Evie Kyritsis finished with 6 saves. Springfield edged MIT in shots, 15-14 and in corners, 11-6.

Springfield will play again on Tuesday, traveling to Amherst for a 7:00 p.m. start. MIT's next match up is Thursday away vs. Endicott at 6:00 p.m.