Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.- The field hockey team came up short in a close 2-0 contest against Mercy University this afternoon. With the loss, the Lions fall to 1-5 overall (0-2 NE10), while the Mavericks improve to 3-5 (2-1 NE10).

How it Happened

• The Mavericks came out strong in the opening frame, testing sophomore goalkeeper Kayla Balsamo with four shots in the first three minutes of the contest.
• Junior Farah Amarando created an early chance for the Lions, but her shot went high.
• Sophomore Catherine Sasso came up with a defensive save to keep Mercy off the scoreboard.
• With less than a minute remaining in the quarter, the Mavericks capitalized on a corner as Jessica Evans knocked in her own rebound through traffic to give Mercy a 1-0 lead.
• The Lions pressured the Mavericks defense, firing off three shots that forced Mercy goalkeeper Kaylise McClure to come up with the saves.
• Off a Mavericks corner, Evans tallied her second goal of the game, deflecting a pass from Gwendolyn Smith with a one-timer to the left side of the net to double Mercy's lead in the third quarter.
• Balsamo denied a shot near the post from Alyssa Benvengo to keep the deficit to two heading into the fourth.
• Mercy kept the pressure on to start the fourth quarter, forcing Balsamo into four saves in the opening minute.
• Freshman Katie Ogurick nearly converted on a rebound chance after firing off a shot, but the ball went just out of bounds.
• Balsamo made two saves in the final four seconds of the contest, closing out the 2-0 win in favor of the Mavericks.

Key Performances

• Balsamo matched her career best with 16 saves in net.
• Ogurick led the offense, recording three shots, with two on net.
• Seniors Gianna Mastrocco and Nikki Longhitano, junior Lauren Brodowsky, and sophomore Samantha Naples all had one shot on goal.
• Amarando added one shot.

Up Next
The Lions are back home this Saturday (Sept. 27) to host Saint Anselm at Mitchel Field. Game time is set for 2:00 p.m.