UMass Claims First Shutout Win Of 2023, Defeating Lafayette 1-0

AMHERST, Mass. -- The Minutewomen (3-1, 0-0) notched their first shutout of the season, claiming a 1-0 victory over Lafayette (1-3, 0-0) on Sunday afternoon at Gladchuk Field Hockey Complex. Goalkeeper Myrte van Herwijnen recorded four saves as the UMass defense put on a clinic to keep The Leopards off the board.

UMass generated opportunities in the first quarter of play, as freshman Kristy Leonard took two dangerous shots in immediate succession to put early pressure on the Lafayette defense. Despite consistent offensive pressure, the Minutewomen entered halftime in a 0-0 stalemate.

Sophomore Alexa Collins broke the ice, scoring her first career goal six minutes into the third quarter. Collins tipped in a beautiful cross-net pass from Mali Herberhold to give UMass the lead.

The Minutewomen held strong in the final 30 minutes of play as van Herwijnen made three saves to boost UMass to the shutout win.

Breaking Down The Action

Freshman Kristy Leonard recorded two shots in the first 40 seconds of play to put the initial offensive pressure on the Leopards
The Minutewomen played effectively across all three stages of the field but were unable to break the ice, taking a 0-0 score into the halftime break.
Forward Alexa Collins scored her first career goal to give the Minutewomen a lead they would not surrender.
Van Herwijnen tallied three saves in the final 30 minutes of play to close out an all-around defensive effort for the Minutewomen.

Notable Numbers

1: Alexa Collins scored her first career goal as a minutewomen.
1: UMass tallied their first shutout victory of the 2023 campaign.
3: Mali Herberhold recorded her first assist of the season, bringing her point total to three on the year.

Series History

The Minutewomen are now 3-0 all-time against Lafayette, claiming their first victory against the Leopards in 30 years.

Up Next

UMass heads to Orono, Maine for a neutral site clash with No. 2 Northwestern on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. Broadcast and live stat information will be made available closer to gameday.

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