Stevens Improves to 5-1 in Empire 8 with 3-1 Win at Hartwick
ONEONTA, N.Y. (October 22, 2011) – Sophomore forward Rachel Chavez (Oceanport, N.J.) tallied two goals, including the game-winner, to help lift the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team to a 3-1 win at Hartwick College on Saturday. Junior back Samantha Weisman (Fairfax, Va.) notched the other Stevens goal as the Ducks improve to 5-1 in the Empire 8 and 9-6 overall.
The Ducks controlled this contest from start-to-finish, ending with a 30-4 advantage in shots and an 18-3 edge in penalty corners. Freshman Gabriela Sanchez (Auburn, N.H.) made one save to earn her first career win in goal. Junior Megan Campbell (Rutland, Mass.) and freshman Devyn Staley (Greene, N.Y.) split the game in goal for Hartwick (6-9 overall, 3-3 Empire 8), combining for 17 saves.
Chavez gave Stevens the early lead banging home a loose ball in front for her 10th goal of the season at 2:56. Weisman tallied her third of the year thanks to an assist from sophomore Megan Traub (Berkeley Heights, N.J.) in the 22nd minute, and Chavez’s second came with 2:42 left in opening period. Sister and junior Marguerite Chavez (Oceanport, N.J.) crossed in front for the helper on the play.
Hartwick was able to pull within a pair at the 52:04 mark courtesy of a goal from junior Kelsey Kimble (Dingmans Ferry, Pa.), but the Ducks were able to lock up the win and a berth in the Empire 8 Championship scheduled for November 5 and 6 at the regular-season conference champion.
Stevens will clinch the No. 2 seed with a win on Senior Day against rival W&J. A win and Utica loss in either of its two final Empire 8 games would mean Stevens hosts the E8 tournament.