What would turn out to be the gaming goal is scored by Hartford’s Mary Beth Hamilton

by David F.P. [Modest Image Gallery]

WEST HARTFORD,CT- The Hartford Hawks looked to continue their undefeated streak this season and did so despite the hard charging Stony Brook Seawolves Thursday Night in a hard charging match at Al Marzook Field at Alumni Stadium. Chelsea Morales started in goal for the visitors and for the Hawks, Erin Quinlan got the start.

The first half largely went Hartford’s way. Very little time was spent in the U of H defensive zone except late in the half. Instead when the two sides were jostling for position at mid field Hartford was making efforts down in the Stony Brook area. Eventually at 22:47 Hartford got on the board when Caitlin Alves streaked in from the left side of the net and passed it to Mary Beth Hamilton who was in front of the net at point blank range. She navigated the ball to the keeper’s left and the Hawks were up 1.  No further scoring would occur in the half, though this was also due to Stony Brook defender Ariel Katsimpalis who stepped in when the goalie was drawn out of position by another Hartford shot, and blocked a shot herself preventing a second Hartford goal.  As said before Stony Brook started threatening late in the half but extracted no points.

After Half time it took just a few minutes for Hartford to build on their lead. Very soon after Quinlan came up with a save, Alves swept in towards the opposing net. This time she from relatively far away she sent the ball careening to the goalie’s left at an angle she could not get to at 51:42 assisted by Caroline Dixon.  Stony Brook did get some opportunities but nothing got by Quinlan and the Seawolves were often thwarted in their attempts to get in close, though plenty of Hartford attempts also met that result.

At 71:52 the proverbial dagger was delivered as a cluster of Hartford and Stony Brook players hovered around the net. The ball entered the zone and started bouncing from player to play, but Alves took it and knocked it in at close range, assisted by Chanel Johnson on the goal. This put the Hawks up by 3 and that’s where they would remain.

Quinlan picked up 6 saves on the day. Morales had 3 goals against and 2 saves otherwise.

Hartford is now 11-0-2, and 4-0 in America East play. Fairfield is 3-9-1 (1-2-1) (Thanks to Hartford Sports Info for posting the stats to check against.)

Eyewitness report checked against official box score.