MANCHESTER, N.H. – Freshman Jackie Guillemette (No. Waterboro, Maine) registered a career-high five points and freshman Allia Connolly (Westford, Mass.) scored twice to lead the 10th-ranked Saint Anselm College field hockey team to Saturday afternoon's 5-0 win against Southern New Hampshire University at Grappone Stadium.
The Hawks snap a three-game skid to improve to 6-4 on the season, including 2-3 in Northeast-10 play, while the Penmen sink to 1-11, 0-5 NE-10.
The Hawks had a chance to grab the early lead just 1:30 in when senior Bridget Davis (Mansfield, Mass.) was awarded a penalty stroke, but her shot clanged off the left post to keep the game scoreless.
Southern New Hampshire nearly seized control in the 11th minute, but could not take advantage of a 3-on-1. Mikeala Gauvian carried the ball in on the right side and was challenged by sophomore goalkeeper Katherine Sears (Northboro, Mass.), who dove to stop the ball, but Gauvian was able to maneuver around her and send a long shot toward the goalmouth. Junior Nicole Rugan (Chelsea, Maine), running from left-to-right, tracked down the ball and knocked it away at the right post, however, as it was seemingly earmarked for the back of the net.
Saint Anselm finally broke through early in the 18th minute when Guillemette sent a long pass up the middle of the field that was tipped into the top-left corner of the cage by junior Richelle Davis (Enfield, Conn.) from right in front. It was the second goal in as many games for Davis.
The Hawks doubled their lead late in the 26th minute when Guillemette redirected a ball just inside the left post after a shot from the top-left of the circle by freshman Katie Neyland (Boxborough, Mass.). Neyland's assist marked the first collegiate point of her career.
The hosts brought their 2-0 advantage into the halftime break and wasted no time expanding the lead just 1:35 into the second half as Connolly corralled a loose rebound and popped it into the right side of the cage.
Connolly stretched the lead to 4-0 in the 43rd minute when she beat SNHU goalkeeper Jill Piacitelli with a shot into the right side after receiving a pass from junior Meagan Halligan (No. Branford, Conn.) off a loose rebound.
Guillemette capped the scoring in the 59th minute as she cleaned up another loose rebound in front following a laser from junior Colleen Sears (Danvers, Mass.) and put it into the left side of the net.
Kate Sears made one save in the first 56:37 of action, while senior Jessica Snow (Shrewsbury, Mass.) stopped one shot in the final 13:23. Piacitelli turned away 10 shots in the second half, while Cassandra Nickerson made six saves in the first half for the Penmen.
The Hawks outshot SNHU, 33-4, and held a 24-2 advantage in penalty corners, which was big because Saint Anselm was holding its fourth annual "Corners for the Cure" initiative. The initiative is based off the number of penalty corners the team earns and raises both financial support and awareness for breast cancer. All proceeds are going toward the Play 4 the Cure initiative, which partners with the National Cancer Foundation.
The win was also huge in the Queen City Cup standings as it cut the Southern New Hampshire lead to 10-4. Full standings are available HERE.
The Hawks return to action Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 4:30 p.m. when they take on Merrimack College at Martone-Mejail Field. The Hawks are back home Saturday, Nov. 1 at 4:15 p.m. when they play host to Adelphi University at Grappone Stadium. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter @STAHawks.
