Volume CXXXIII, Number 3 September 21, 2001 f

Field hockey women undefeated, looking to Middlebury
KRISTEN DUMMER
Staff Writer

The Bowdoin field hockey women remained strong in yet another double-header this weekend, earning wins over both Williams and Wesleyan. Playing on their home turf, the Lady Bears took out their first two NESCAC opponents and emerged victorious from Wednesday's matchup with Bates.

The undefeated field hockey team has won its first five games. (Colin LeCroy, Bowdoin Orient)

On Saturday, Williams built a 1-0 lead in the first half. The Bears didn't back down, however, and were able to make a comeback later in the game. First-year Marissa O'Neil proved to be a crucial second-half element in the victory, driving in the Bear's only goals. Junior Leah McClure assisted O'Neil in her second of two.

The matchup's final tally stood at 2-1, and sophomore Gillian McDonald finished the game with 12 saves.

A day later, the Lady Polar Bears were back on the field, facing the Cardinals from Wesleyan. In the first half, Bowdoin had a chance to score on a penalty corner. A play between Alison Scaduto '02 and McClure allowed Faye Hargate '04 to tap the ball in with only 40 seconds left on the clock.

During the second half, O'Neil got an unassisted goal past the Wesleyan goaltender after 18:42 had elapsed. Jackie Templeton '03 later took a shot on goal that was put in by Shoshana Kuriloff '04 to close the game's score at 3-0.
The Bears kept constant pressure on Wesleyan in the shutout, taking 23 shots on goal. McDonald continued her magic in the Bear box and didn't allow a single Cardinal shot to pass her.

Marissa O'Neil was named NESCAC's Player of the Week for her efforts in the Williams and Wesleyan games last weekend. O'Neil now leads the Bears in scoring with four goals and one assist for the 2001 season.

Facing the Bates Bobcats last Wednesday, Bowdoin proved victorious once again in a game that remained scoreless for 65 minutes. At the midpoint of the second half, Bowdoin's McClure had a scoring opportunity on a penalty stroke. However, Bates goaltender Lindsay Gary was able to stop her shot.
Gary couldn't stop a shot from Templeton after the stroke, however. Templeton's goal would be all the Bears needed, preserving a perfect record for the Polar Bears. McDonald had nine saves in the 1-0 shutout.

Tomorrow, the Lady Bears face Middlebury, another NESCAC opponent, at Howard F. Ryan '28 Field. "The game against Middlebury should be some of the best competition we'll see this season, but I have no doubt that we will be victorious again," Hargate said. "We know how to make it happen; we have confidence in each other, support each other, and capitalize on every opportunity."

Come check out the undefeated Polar Bears tomorrow as they take on Middlebury at noon!