10/21/2008
Mount Holyoke Blanks Field Hockey

WORCESTER, MASS. 10/21/08 - The Mount Holyoke College field hockey team scored a goal in each half to secure a 2-0 New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference victory over host Clark University on Senior Night at Granger Field Tuesday evening.

With the victory, the Lyons snapped a three-game losing skid and lifted their record to 7-6 overall and 3-4 in the NEWMAC, while Clark (5-9, 1-5 NEWMAC) continues to struggle in league play.

Although Mount Holyoke had better offensive chances in the first half, outscoring Clark, 5-0, the Lyons could not break through the hosts defense until less than two minutes on the clock. Senior Anne Doton (Woodstock, Vt.) set up the first goal when she sent a pass from the top of the circle to Mary Kate Switchenko (Sturbridge, Mass.), who fired a shot from the right side with 1:57 remaining. It was the junior forward's ninth goal of the season.

Clark had a good scoring bid early in the second half, but Doton made a nice defensive save on junior defender Carley Corkum's (Newbury, Mass.) attempt out front.

First-year Erin Murphy (Boxboro, Mass.), who led Clark's offense with three shots, had a good look following a penalty corner, but first-year keeper Katie Gibson (Charlotte, N.C.) came out and made a kick save on her drive in the 51st minute.

Doton gave the Lyons an insurance goal when she tipped in a shot near the left post with 2:29 left to play.

MHC held a 10-5 advantage in shots but was even with Clark on penalty corners, 10-10.

Junior Kathryn Dawsey (Saratoga Springs, N.Y.) finished with five saves for Clark. Gibson stopped four shots in goal to record her first shutout of the year for Mount Holyoke.

Prior to tonight's contest, senior captain Madeleine Henefield was honored for her four-year contribution to the Clark field hockey team.

Clark will play at Wellesley College on Saturday (1 p.m.). Mount Holyoke will entertain Wesleyan University in a non-conference match on Thursday (7 p.m.).