Field Hockey wins seventh TCCC Championship in a row

In the first half, the two teams were locked in a defensive battle for field position.  Both teams would have their opportunities to score but neither would be able to take the early advantage.  The Gulls were able to get five shots on NEC’s Mary Roux (Auburn, Mass.) while the Pilgrims took two shots that both missed their mark.

In the second half, both teams would continue their attempts at taking the lead.  NEC would have a series of penalty corners in the 48^th minute but would come away empty handed.  The Gulls would then take their turn at trying to score as TCCC Rookie of the Year Anna Giannoni (Granby, Conn.) and Samantha Bourgeois (Gardner, Mass.) took their shots at Roux.  Lindsey Mills (Arlington, Mass.) was able to take two penalty corners but yet again, the Gulls could not find the back of the net.

On the ensuing NEC possession, Carnaroli was able to corral a loose ball in front of the net and put it past Chelsea DeFeo, giving the Pilgrims the 1-0 lead.  The Gulls would try to find the equalizer as Mills, Alexandra Parese (Wilton, Conn.), and Joanne Reid (Clarksville, Md.) would take their shots but none would score.

The game would end on a penalty corner for NEC as time expired and the Pilgrims walked away as the TCCC Champions.  New England College’s Mary Roux was able to make eight saves in the contest to earn the shutout.  DeFeo made three saves for the Gulls to wrap up their stellar season.

The Pilgrims have earned the automatic bid to the NCAA tournament by winning the conference championship.  Endicott now must wait to see if an at-large bid will come its way.  The entire tournament field will be announced on Monday.