Live Stats: Misericordia at William Paterson
The Misericordia University field hockey team earned a bid to play in the Eastern College Athletic Association Championships after a 13-7 season, the conference announced Monday.
The Cougars qualified for the Freedom Conference Championships after winning four of its final six conference matches but lost to Eastern in the semifinals.
“This is a great opportunity for our team,” head coach Robyn Stahovic said. “If you can't make the NCAA tournament, you keep looking for the next opportunity to play. I'm glad we don't have to end our season on the loss to Eastern.”
They're seeded eighth in the ECACs and will head to William Paterson University Wednesday to take on the first-ranked Pioneers.
The team's seniors paved the road to the postseason with strong showings throughout the season. Laura Leighow and Heather DiMenno moved up in the school's history book. Leighow led with 13 goals to increase her career total to 39—fifth all-time. DiMenno led with nine assists to increase her total to 29—fourth all-time.
Ashlee Leonard added nine goals and six assists in the best season of her career.
Ellen Howanitz made 145 saves and allowed just 2.02 average goals per game as the team's starting goalkeeper.
“Our seniors have been strong since their freshman year, and they know they're not done yet,” Stahovic said. “We have a strong core between our upperclassmen and young talent. It's all come together really nicely.”
Freshman Haley Ellis and sophomore Jen Lozier made names for themselves this season and could be indicators of things to come. Both had seven goals this season, and Ellis added six assists.
William Paterson had four players selected all-conference this season on its way to earning top seed. The Pioneers finished 14-3 and are riding an eight-game win streak.
“They're a finishing team, so we'll need to stop them from getting second chances,” Stahovic said. “(Head coach) Lindsay Bard and I have spoken throughout the season, and it's going to be good to see how these two teams play.”
The Cougars and Pioneers square off Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., at Wightman Stadium in Wayne, N.J.
