Shannon Roycroft scored her first goal as an Owl on this first quarter shot. (Photo courtesy of Westfield State University Sports)
NORTHAMPTON – Westfield State struck first with a goal from transfer forward Shannon Roycroft less than seven minutes into the match, but it was all Smith from that point forward as the Pioneers topped the Owls 9-1 in the season opener for both teams in the Caryl Newhof Field Hockey Tournament.
Westfield will play in the consolation game tomorrow at 10:30 am against UMaine Farmington.
Roycroft, a transfer from William Smith College, connected on a shot from the top of the circle to stake the Owls to a 1-0 lead just 6:46 into the game.
Smith answered with five unanswered goals to close the first half, the last from Vivian Nelson finding the back board just as time expired in the first half. Nelson finished with three goals to lead the Pioneers, who will advance to play Cortland State in tomorrow’s title game.
The Pioneers had a 21-1 advantage in shots on goal and had a 13-1 edge in penalty corners. Riley Goulet made 12 saves in goals for the Owls. – Courtesy of Westfield State University Sports
