Julia Hamilton ‘18
Contributing Writer
After the Smith field hockey team’s win against its Pioneer Valley rival Mount Holyoke this past weekend, the team is 8-8 for the season. Smith field hockey team has played six of the national top 15 teams and their schedule ranks among some of the toughest in the nation. Led by a core of upperclassmen, they returned 10 out of 11 starters and have seen significant contributions from returners and first-year players.
Field hockey faces a tough schedule in and out of conference. The NEWMAC is one of the strongest in Division III, and Smith has held their own, earning a 4-3 mark in conference play. Their three losses came to Babson College (#2 in nation), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#14 in nation) and Springfield College. Most recently, Smith hosted Mount Holyoke on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.
Mount Holyoke came into the game with a 10-4 record on the season and 4-2 in conference play. As Mariah Ollive ’18 said, “We knew the game was going to be an incredibly close game and we would have to give it our all.” They had faced a few similar opponents.
However, anyone who has played a sport can tell you that no matter the ranking or past record, if you come to the field ready to play, anything can happen. Energy was something Smith was sure to have on their side.
After all, it was Senior Day — a day to honor the team’s six seniors and all of their accomplishments throughout their four years at Smith.
“You could feel the energy in the locker room,” Sammie Pavlov ’20 said. “Everyone wanted to win not only for themselves, but for the seniors who have given so much to the program.”
Mount Holyoke went on the attack early in the game with two shots on goal and a penalty corner.
However, Smith Field Hockey team began to gain momentum, marked by an excellent run by Alex Larosee ’19. In the 16th minute of play, Smith converted on their second penalty corner of the game when Pavlov collected a rebound off the goalie’s pads and shot it home.
The ensuing minutes were marked by back and forth play and many opportunities for both teams. In the 51st minute, Larosee was able to double the Pioneers lead off of a shot from Beatrice Chaudoin ’19.
When the buzzer went off, Sophie Chase ’18 said,“The team was so, so excited. Not only did we beat one of our biggest rivals, but we had secured a playoff spot!”
The field hockey team is excited to carry on the positive, confident energy from the Mount Holyoke game to their last out of conference game this Tuesday up at Keene State.
This past Saturday was a huge day for Smith College Field Hockey. It helped establish their confidence and readiness to take on the remainder of their season and playoffs!
