Field Hockey Beats Springfield, Will Advance to NCAA Tourney
The MIT Field Hockey Team captured the NEWMAC Championship this weekend, shutting out Mount Holyoke 2-0 in the semifinals and defeating Springfield 4-2 in the final. With the wins, the Engineers improved their season record to 17-4 — a program record — and earned the second conference title in program history.
In the semifinal matchup on Saturday against Mount Holyoke, neither team was able to score until late in the second half. In the 59th minute, Anna H. Teruya ’12 scored on an assist by Molly E. McShane ’13; just under ten minutes later, Kameron L. Klauber ’12, scored on a breakaway to seal the victory. Goalie Keri A. Dixon 11 led the Engineer defense with two saves.
In Sunday’s final against Springfield College, MIT got out to a quick start behind goals by Teruya and Danielle C. Smith ’11, and had a 2-0 lead by the 11th minute. A deflection by Klauber on a hard shot by McShane gave the Engineers a 3-0 lead, which they would take into halftime.
MIT kept their momentum in the second half, and took a 4-0 lead on a goal by Barker off a penalty corner. Springfield would mount a comeback, outshooting MIT 11-5 in the second half. MIT’s defense held on, however, allowing only two goals for the 4-2 win.
In the tournament, Keri A. Dixon ’11 had 11 saves; on offense, Barker led MIT with three goals, while Klauber, Teruya, and Smith had two goals each.
As conference champions, MIT will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. The first round of the tournament will be held on November 11, at a location to be determined.