NEWBERRY — The Newberry College Wolves were aggressive from the first whistle in their conference field hockey opener against Mercy College on Monday morning at Setzler Field, winning 2-1.

The victory marks the first time in program history that Newberry has begun Eastern College Athletic Conference play 1-0.

Newberry (2-1, 1-0 ECAC) dominated this game totaling nine shots with six on goal. Danielle Laguerra, Haley Smith, Brady Keeler, Olivia Fraunfelter and Victoria Corriston each registered at least one shot as the Wolves kept the Mavericks’ (0-3, 0-1 ECAC) defense on its heels for nearly the entire contest.

Keeler connected first for the Wolves in the 10th minute off an assist by Gabrielle Bazemore. Bazemore timed the pass perfectly to allow Keeler to beat the goalkeeper one-on-one and score her third goal of the season. The first half ended with Newberry up 1-0.

In the 54th minute, Smith doubled the Newberry lead off an assist from Keeler. Keeler took a pass from Kristyna Oyola on a penalty corner, one of six taken by the Wolves, and found Smith near the right post for a tap-in and a 2-0 Wolves’ lead.

Mercy had just three shots on goal all morning but finally got on the board in the 58th minute with Samantha Perez’s first goal of the season. But the Mavericks were unable to muster another shot off the Newberry defense as the Wolves closed out their second win of the young season.

“It’s a great feeling opening up with a conference win,” first year head coach Hannah Dave stated. “We had a very tough opening weekend and I am very happy with how our ladies have been handling it. They are extremely determined to make this the best season yet and they continue to do what’s expected.”

The Lady Wolves field hockey team travels to Belmont, N.C. on Sept. 6 to face Belmont Abbey at 3 p.m.

The Lady Wolves field hockey team travels to Belmont, N.C. on Sept. 6 to face Belmont Abbey at 3 p.m.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Field-Hockey.jpgThe Lady Wolves field hockey team travels to Belmont, N.C. on Sept. 6 to face Belmont Abbey at 3 p.m. Courtesy photo

Staff Report