In an exciting display of teamwork and relentless offensive and defensive effort, the Colby field hockey team earned their first win against non-league opponent Husson University on Wednesday night.
After falling to Trinity, the team was able to make some adjustments in practice and build on the positive ball movement exhibited in the Trinity game.

The Mules started the game with focused intensity and were in control of the play. Colby's midfield was strong, containing Husson's counterattack and regaining the ball quickly. For almost 15 minutes in the first half, the Colby defense was able to keep the ball out of its defensive circle.

With a goal just six minutes into the game, Colby gained the lead and maintained it for the remainder of the game. Senior co-captains Meryl Poulin and Heather Quadir combined for the goal as Quadir scored off a pass from Poulin. Sophomore Courtney Erskine furthered the Mules' lead with an unassisted goal to put them ahead 2-0 at the end of the first half. The second half started with another Colby goal from Erskine assisted by Quadir. With 10:39 remaining in the game, first-year forward Charlotte Deavers scored her first collegiate goal to give the Mules a 4-0 lead.

Though Husson was able to score off of a breakaway late in the second half, Colby clearly dominated the offensive play, outshooting their opponent 30 to 11. Senior co-captain Liz Fontaine played a solid game in net with four saves. Head Coach Amy Bernatchez was pleased with the team effort and was proud to say that she was able to "get everyone that was healthy into the game."

With only two days to rest, the Mules had to quickly refocus their attention to New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) opponent Wesleyan, who they hosted Saturday morning. Fontaine had an impressive game and kept the Mules in the match with 17 saves on the day. Not only did Fontaine's physical presence make a difference in the score, her leadership allowed her to direct the defense and keep the team composed. Sophomore midfielder Lucy Gerrity lauded Fontaine's play, saying, "she really was fantastic and we are lucky to have her back there, especially in games like [Wesleyan]."

Wesleyan was awarded 21 penalty corners throughout the game, but the Colby defense was consistent and didn't allow the Wesleyan attack to get a touch. The second half was more productive offensively for Colby as they started to gain a rhythm and create more opportunities. Quadir scored off a cross from Poulin with just 3:41 left in the game to make the score 1-0. Bernatchez described it as a "textbook goal" well done and well executed. It was a team effort getting the ball up the field to [Quadir] who finished with a lot of poise, which is great to see from a senior captain."

Wesleyan responded quickly with a goal less than two minutes later. Regulation time ended with the score tied at 1-1. The Wesleyan Cardinals were aggressive throughout the seven-on-seven sudden death overtime with nine shots on net, ultimately resulting in a goal that handed Colby its second NESCAC loss. Bernatchez credits the loss partly to the fact that the team's "passing and timing [were] a little off," adding, "You can't have a bad day when you're playing a NESCAC game."

The Mules enter the week with a record of 1-2-0 and will play two away games this weekend, one at Williams College on Saturday followed by a Sunday afternoon match at New England College.