Springfield, Mass. – October 26, 2024 – The Springfield College field hockey team picked up a critical 2-0 win over Smith in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) clash on Saturday afternoon at Stagg Field.
 
Springfield, which posted its second shutout in conference play this week, improved to 7-10, 3-5 in NEWMAC play.  The Pioneers fell to 4-12, 3-5 with the setback.   Springfield owned a 15-10 advantage in ths game and a slight 4-3 edge in penalty corners.  Neilee Hess (Franklin, Mass.) totaled four saves in keeping Smith off the scoreboard. 

Hailey Gaydos (Newington, Conn.) set up the game's first goal as she put pressure on the Smith defense, intercepting a pass before peppering a pair of shots which were initially saved.  However, Emma McLaughlin (Norwalk, Conn.) collected the loose ball and slotted home in the 17^th minute.  Despite owning a 9-2 cushion in shots in the opening 30 minutes of play, Springfield took a 1-0 edge into the halftime break. 

Springfield was awarded a penalty stroke midway through the third quarter and Nicolette Morlock (Rexford, N.Y.) blistered in her attempt to double the Pride's advantage.   That was all the scoring Springfield would need as it earned the shutout triumph. 
 
Springfield wraps up the regular season on Saturday when it travels to take on Clark for a 2 pm contest.
 
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