Bobcats finish 2011 Season With A 1-0 Win Over Mules!

The seniors were all smiles following the win!

Bates Field Hockey finished up the 2011 season with an exciting victory at Colby College. Wednesday, October 26, the Bobcats traveled to Bill Alfond Field in Waterville, Maine, ready to defeat the Mules and end the season with a NESCAC win.  Saddened by the idea that this would be their last game of the season, but determined and ready to leave it all on the field, the Bobcats came out firing with several breakaways and scoring attempts.  Right away they put strong pressure on the Mules, in both the offensive and defensive circle.  The practice and hard work put into this season was clearly shown when the Bobcats came together for some beautiful passing combinations within the first twenty minutes.

Despite several attempts Bates was unable to score first half, but certainly did not give up.  With 30:58 left in the second half, Sophomore Polly Merck (Beverly, Mass) netted the game-winning goal. In a scramble in front of the net, Merck got a stick on the ball and reverse shot it past the Colby Goalkeeper. Bates Goalkeeper Sophomore Becca Otley (Falmouth, Maine) recorded her third shutout of the season with a total of seven saves. This was Otley’s first return to action after missing the previous two and a half games due to injury. 

Finishing their careers on a winning note were Bates seniors Lyndsay Beaton (West Newbury, Mass.), Amanda Brusca (Beverly, Mass), Mackenzie Ross (North Yarmouth, Maine), and co-captains Kelly Mcmanus (Plymouth, New Hampshire) and Sarah Merullo (Essex, Mass.). All five demonstrated great leadership the entire season, and their fire and intensity set the tone for the rest of the team. We will certainly miss them next season.

Overall, it was an exciting day for the Bobcats! The victory was a great way to wrap up the 2011 season and set the tone for next year!