Wildcats Field Hockey team earns their first-ever NECC Berth

10.28.2010

Freshman forward Stephanie Belsen of Windsor Locks, CT, netted the lone goal of the game to propel the Bay Path College Wildcats to earn their first-ever New England Conference Championship (NECC) berth. Bay Path defeated the Elms College Blazers 1-0 in NECC field hockey action at Ryan Field on October 26.

Both teams were able to hold off any scoring in the first half with Bay Path having seven shots in the first 35 minutes. In the 49th minute of play, senior forward Jessica Priestly of Middleboro, MA, managed a well-played pass inside to Belsen to score the eventual game winner for the Wildcats.

Bay Path finished with 10 shots, eight of which were on goal and seven penalty corners. Elms’ offense was unable to get the ball past the back line for any shots in the 70 minutes of play.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alexandra Bonavita of Agawam, MA tallied seven saves while suffering the loss, while senior goalie Kim Barbato of Saylorsburg, PA, recorded the shut-out for Bay Path.

Bay Path is now 3-8 overall and 2-5 in the NECC, while Elms falls to 0-16 on the season and finishes 0-8 in Conference play. Both teams will conclude regular season play this week, with Bay Path traveling to face NECC rival Wheelock College on Saturday, October 30, at 1 p.m.

Visit athletics.baypath.edu/landing/index  for more information about the Wildcats.