The Colby field hockey team opened the season with a 5-1 loss against a tough NESCAC opponent, the Trinity College Bantams, who finished last year's regular season first in the league and hosted the NESCAC tournament. Colby left wing Olivia Lattanzi '11 opened the scoring with an unassisted breakaway goal early in the first half, giving the Mules a 1-0 lead. Midfielders Lucy Gerrity '13, Meryl Poulin '11 and Hannah O'Brien '12 dominated midfield play for most of the first half but could not hold off an aggressive Trinity attack. The Bantams responded with two quick goals on penalty corner shots, giving them a one-goal advantage going into the second half.

The start of the second half was marked by a tenacious offensive effort by Colby's Courtney Erskine '13, Caitlyn Lancaster '12 and co-captain Heather Quadir '11, who led the team with five shots for the Mules. Despite several scoring chances, the Colby offense failed to convert where the Bantam offense did, resulting in three more goals for Trinity during the second half. Though the Bantams were able to capitalize on five offensive opportunities, the final score does not reflect the persistent fortitude of the Colby defense led by Hali Castleman '11, Sarah Falkof '12, Kelly Roth '12, and Caroline Chessare '13. Co-captain Liz Fontaine '11 finished with 11 saves in goal for Colby.

Though the Mules returned to Waterville with a loss, they remain confident in the compatibility of the team members and will look to rely on a team-oriented style of play to earn them success in the future. Head Coach Amy Bernatchez noted the positive "team chemistry and ball movement" of the Mules as two important aspects of the Trinity game that they will carry into their next match. In addition, she says, "I am very pleased with the senior leadership. They've really set the bar high for the season."

Colby's home opener will take place under the lights Wednesday, September 15 at 7 p.m. on the Bill Alfond field vs. non-league opponent Husson University. The Mules are prepared for a repeat of last year's performance against the Eagles-a 1-0 victory for Colby. According to Bernatchez, Colby will look to "build up some confidence on the attacking end." She concludes, "Overall, for ten days into the season, I think we're in a very good place."