Field Hockey Falls to Westfield State, 3-1

WESTFIELD, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State University field hockey team dropped a 3-1 decision to Westfield State University in a key MASCAC regular season game on Saturday evening at Alumni Field.

The host Owls improve to 14-3 on the season and remain unbeaten in conference play with perfect 10-0 MASCAC mark. The Bears fall to 13-3 on the season and 8-2 in the MASCAC.

Bridgewater broke a scoress tie with just under four minutes remaining in the first quarter as sophomore Kallie Rose (Dartmouth, Mass.) converted off a scramble in front of the net. For Rose, the goal marked her 12th of the season.

The Owls answered just 71 seconds later as freshman Lilianna Atkins (Agawam, Mass.) found the back of the net with classmate Caroline Andrade (Watertown, Mass.) collecting the assist.

A one-timer by junior Ashley D'Elia (Watertown, Conn.) off a cross from freshman Kasey Curran (Fall River, Mass.) put the hosts in front, 2-1, with 10:22 remaining in the second period.

Andrade extended the Westfield lead to 3-1 roughly six minutes into the third quarter as she tucked a shot inside the right post off a pass from senior Kaleigh Murphy (Pembroke, Mass.).

Neither team found the back of the net over the final 24 minutes of the contest.

Westfield finished with a 17-13 shot advantage for the game while Bridgewater held a slight 11-10 edge in penalty corners.

Senior Emma Gniadek (Worcester, Mass.) made two saves between the pipes for the Owls to pick up her eighth win of the season. Westfield also received a defensive save from senior Maddy Barry (Norwood, Mass).

Senior Brianna Gagnon (Tewksbury, Mass.) turned aside eight shots in the setback for the Bears.

The MASCAC schedule continues for both teams on Tuesday. The Owls head to Salem State for a four o'clock game with the Vikings. The Bears host Framingham State at seven o'clock on Senior Night from Mazzaferro Field.