USM’s field hockey team is number three in the LEC heading into the tournament this week. Plymouth State and Keene State are the top two in the Little East Conference. Defending LEC champion, Plymouth State, is undefeated in LEC play, Keene State has two losses and USM has three, including falling by one point to each of the top two.
In the only game against Plymouth State, the Lady Huskies dominated in the second half and only have a ten- second letdown to blame for their loss of one to nothing. If Plymouth State’s goalie was not so strong the outcome may have been different. She has only given up six goals on the season, the best in the league by 10 goals, and has allowed 12 fewer goals than USM All-American goalie, Jessie Superchi
The greatest margin of defeat this season for the Lady Huskies was three points, coming in the first game of the season against Bentley, the defending NCAA Division II champs. Other than that, playing the Lady Huskies has not been an easy task for any team.
The Huskies’ most unlikely victory came on Oct. 8 against Bowdoin College. It had been 11 seasons since our last victory over Bowdoin and they were ranked nationally at number 14.
The season has been filled with success and the Huskies, having won their last three games, are heading into the postseason with momentum. After a mid-season funk – a lull where the Huskies lost four of five – they seem to be back on the winning beat. The team has had three goals in each of its recent victories so it looks like the offensive power might be enough to take down Plymouth State’s goalie or to overcome other tough opponents in the division.
With some energy, focus, and continuation of strong play the Lady Huskies are in good shape heading into this week’s postseason.