The Colby field hockey team had a busy week, playing one New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) game against Middlebury and one non-conference game against New England College. Although the weather was anything but accommodating, both games were played as scheduled, leaving the teams to slip and slide on the wet turf.

Against New England College, the normally offensive-minded Colby team relied instead on superb play from defensive captain Meghan Saccone '10. Not only did Saccone lead her defense to a shutout, but she also played the other end of the field recording both a goal and an assist.

Colby got off to a great start with Ashley Wagner finding the back of the net just 30 seconds into the game off a pass from Saccone. Saccone continued to show off her offensive skills, scoring the second goal of the game herself on a penalty corner 17:45 into the game. The remainder of the game was decided on the defensive end of the Colby field as the Mules managed to stave off all New England College attacks.

Liz Fontaine '11 had four stops in goal while Colby forced the opposing goalie to make seven saves. Although Colby only ended the game with a 2-0 goal advantage, after two halves it was clear which team had control of the game as Colby lead in shots on goal 20-8.


Sadly, the Mules were not as successful against the 15 ranked Middlebury College. Although the stats showed that Colby kept up quite well with the Panthers, the 7-0 score showed that Middlebury deserves its national ranking.

In the first 11:38 of play, Middlebury scored three times, immediately taking control of the game. Although for the rest of the game Colby was able to make up a great deal of ground, getting off 15 shots versus Middlebury's 17 and nine penalty corners to Middlebury's 10, the slow start cost the Mules, who were never able to regain the ground they lost.

With the loss to Middlebury, Colby falls to 1-3 in NESCAC play and 4-3 overall. Although the Mules have had several very close games, including no fewer than three 4-3 losses, they have had trouble finding that crucial goal against NESCAC opponents. The Mules look forward to their NESCAC game against Bowdoin on Wednesday, October 7. They will also play against Tufts on Saturday, October 10.