NEWPORT, R.I.—The Salve Regina University field hockey outshot Gordon College in the second half but could not overcome a 2-0 halftime deficit, falling 2-1 in a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) match. Gordon scored twice in the first half and showcased its stellar defense to stay in the thick of the CCC playoff hunt, now just a half game behind the Seahawks for the final spot. Sarah Smith (Westford, Vt.) scored her first collegiate goal to put the Scots on top before Emily Allcroft (Haydenville, Mass.) added one right before halftime in what would eventually become the game-winning goal.

Series and Streaks
This was the 30th meeting between Salve Regina and Gordon. The Scots snap a three game losing streak to the Seahawks and own a 23-7 record in the all-time series.

Three Stars of the Game
1 – Gordon senior Shannon Hicks (Scarborough, Maine) - made 19 saves including one with seconds remaining to preserve the win for the Scots.
2 – Allcroft scored the deciding goal late in the first half.
3 – Salve Regina junior Amber Cody (Pawling, N.Y.) - scored her league leading 17th goal of the season 2:07 into the second half to narrow the margin.

Turning Point
After turning away a corner chance in the final 40 seconds the Seahawks quickly advanced the ball up the field. A pass from Erin Gendreau (Sandwich, Mass.) found three Seahawks ahead of the field with only the goalie left for the Scots. Amber Cody tried to poke the ball past Hicks who has come way out of her net during the play, but Hicks made a diving save, sending the ball to midfield with her stick as the final seconds ticked off the clock.

Gordon will host nationally ranked Tufts on Thursday at the Brigham Athletic Complex.

Release courtesy of Salve Regina