Springfield, Mass. - November 1, 2022 - The Springfield College field hockey team was edged by Smith, 1-0, in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Championship Quarterfinals on Tuesday night.

Springfield's season comes to a close with a 9-10 record, while the Pioneers improved to 9-10 and advance to the NEWMAC Championship Semifinals at Babson on Thursday.  Springfield finished the game with an 8-4 edge in shots and took six of the game's eight penalty corners.  Remy Niland (Marshfield, Mass.) was credited with two saves in the loss, while Rory Harper made three stops for Smith in the victory. 

In the seventh minute, Maddy Dunne (Clifton Park, N.Y.) got behind the Smith defense for a close-range shot, but was denied by Harper.   The Pioneers had their best chance of the opening quarter when Grace Moorehead unleashed a reverse sweep from inside the circle, only to have Niland make a kick save to keep the game scoreless.   Springfield nearly broke into the scoring column in the 25th minute, as Grace Majka (Simsbury, Conn.) blistered a shot on the cage, but Harper was up the task as she was able to get her right foot on the ball to thwart the offensive chance. 

After a scoreless first half, the visitors were able to deliver what would prove to be the game's only goal just over three minutes into the second half.  Moorehead connected with Eva Kinnel off a penalty corner, who then buried in a bid from the left wing. The Pride would make a push in the fourth quarter, earning three penalty corners, but was unable to convert as Smith prevailed in the shutout victory. 

For the latest on Springfield College Athletics, follow the Pride on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Fans can also download the Springfield "Front Row" mobile app, powered by PrestoSports, on iTunes and the Android Market.