Field Hockey Edged by JWU, 2-1, in GNAC Opener

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Anna Maria College field hockey team dropped a 2-1 decision to the Wildcats of Johnson & Wales University on Saturday afternoon at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Athletics Complex. The game marked the first-ever Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) matchup for the two teams, as both teams joined the new conference this fall.

The Wildcats got on the scoreboard first when a shot by freshman Giovanna Ciavardoni (Latham, N.Y.) hit the crossbar and classmate Shaina Thompson (Delmar, Del.) was on the doorstep to register her first career goal with under eight minutes to play in the first half. JWU outshot the AMCats 15-4 in the stanza for the 1-0 halftime lead.

JWU increased their lead to 2-0 when freshman Jessica Kocur (Mattapoisett, Mass.) netted a pass from senior Courtney McTague (Saugus, Mass.) for her first collegiate goal that would prove to be the game-winner just two minutes into the half.

AMC cut the lead in half with 20 minutes to go on an unassisted goal by junior Kylie Dalbec (Portland, Maine). It wouldn't be enough, however as the Wildcats defense stood tall to preserve the 2-1 victory.

Freshman Shannon Yoder (Boyertown, Pa.) made three stops on the day for the Wildcats while Mary Kate Breen (Londonderry, N.H.) stopped eight shots for Anna Maria.

With the win, the Wildcats improve to 1-4 on the season and 1-0 in the GNAC while the AMCATS fall to 2-4 and 0-1 in conference play. The AMCATS will be back in action on Tuesday, September 16^th when they travel to Elms College for a 4:00 p.m. non-conference matchup.