Field Hockey (12-7, 6-2) Slips in Overtime During NEWMAC Tournament Semifinal

The Wheaton College field hockey team saw its season end in the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament semifinals on Saturday, as the second-seeded Lyons fell to number-three Wellesley College, 2-1 in overtime at Springfield College. After a 4-5 start, Wheaton finished the year by winning eight of its final 10 contests. The Lyons had a six-game winning streak snapped by the Blue and were denied a spot in their first league tournament title game since 1997.

For the second straight year, Wheaton was knocked out of the NEWMAC Tournament by Wellesley with an overtime loss in the semifinals. Junior keeper Andrea Bagley (Foxboro, MA/Foxboro) made 22 saves, the most by a Lyon since October 26, 2004, as the Blue held advantages of 33-7 in shots and 17-3 in penalty corners. However, freshman Cara Cusson (Ashfield, MA/Mohawk Trail Regional) tallied the first goal of the game, putting Wheaton on top 6:59 into the second half after breaking in alone on the Wellesley cage. Classmate Bonnie Davies (Roxbury, CT/Shepaug Valley) made a defensive save later in the half to preserve the lead, but the Blue broke Bagley's shutout bid with 2:40 remaining in regulation before netting the winner 2:42 into overtime.

Senior Alisa Ardito (Branford, CT/Branford) completed her career first in program history in games (82) and assists (33) and third in points (89) and goals (28). Her 11 helpers this season tied the school record, and she tied for ninth with 23 points this fall. Ardito also played a hand in 17 of Wheaton's 33 goals in 2008. Heading into her final season, junior Alex Block (Saratoga, CA/Saratoga) is tied for ninth in both career points (47) and goals (20). Bagley is fourth in single-season wins (12) and minutes (1,365:22) and tied for fifth in shutouts (5) during her initial season as a starting college goalkeeper.