Nicole Savage Scores Twice to Lead #17 UAlbany Field Hockey to a 3-1 Win Over UMass

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore forward Nicole Savage scored two goals, including the gamewinner, to lead #17 UAlbany to a 3-1 win over Massachusetts in field hockey action on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field. With the win, the Great Danes improve to 9-3 overall, including a perfect 5-0 record at home.

Cher King opened up the scoring for UMass five minutes into the game, slipping an unassisted, reverse stick shot from the top of the circle past UAlbany goalkeeper Christine Hoffman. Savage tied the game less than two minutes later, taking a crossing pass from Michelle Simpson in front of the cage and knocking it past Minutewoman goaltender Becky Letourneau.

Savage struck again with her team-leading tenth goal of the season with 15:56 left in the first half. In a scramble in front of the cage, freshman Alysia Hough tipped the ball to Savage, who got her stick on the ball to put it in the cage. Simpson closed out the scoring with 10:23 left on the clock, as Michele Polizois passed the ball from the right side of the circle to Simpson, who reversed it in past Letourneau.

UAlbany outshot UMass 11-8, including 6-3 in the scoreless second half. The Minutewomen had a 6-5 advantage in penalty corners. Hoffman earned the win, making two saves in the first half. Junior Ashley Ross played the second half in the cage for the Great Danes, stopping two shots. Letourneau played all 70 minutes, making six saves in the cage for UMass (5-6).

The Great Danes will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 6, as they host America East Conference opponent Vermont at 1 p.m. at Alumni Turf Field.