PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island-#1 Johnson and Wales (17-3, 12-0) came out ahead of Saint Joseph's College (10-11, 7-5) in a hard fought Great Northeast Athletic Conference field hockey tournament semifinal at Johnson and Wales on Wednesday evening. 
 

PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS:

With the victory Johnson and Wales advances to the GNAC Championship, which will take place at #1 Johnson & Wales University on Saturday, start time TBD. 

For the Monks, the loss signals the end of the 2024 season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

After a scoreless first quarter, the Wildcats went on the offensive early in the second quarter scoring the game's first goal in the 15th minute. Zofia Bangs delivered an assist to Rayne Millett to notch the first goal of the night.

The Monks responded with a goal of their own early in the third quarter coming out of a penalty corner in the 32nd minute of play with a goal from junior Sadie Tirrell (Naples, ME). Tirrell was assisted by junior Maya Waryas (Bellows Falls, VT) and freshman Zoey Lailer (Limington, ME).

The Wildcats continued to press the Monks defense and answered with a second goal from Rayne Millett in the 38th minute of play.

The Monks had their final scoring opportunity in the 46th minute of play on a Maya Waryas shot that was blocked by the Wildcats. 

TEAM STATS:

Johnson and Wales held the lead in shots (19-7), shots on goal (11-9) and penalty corners (13-4) in the conference tournament matchup.

THE KEEPERS:

SJC senior Kassidy Collins made nine saves in the setback, finishing her career with 458 saves, while Johnson and Wales' Sophia Brea turned away two shots.

SENIOR SEND OFF:

Tonight's loss signals the end of collegiate field hockey for the Monks' five seniors: Abbie Jacques (Mount Vernon, ME), Audra Gearin (Salisbury, MA), Kassidy Collns, and Cassidy Saindon. With these five, the Monks have posted an impressive (42-37) overall record, including a (30-11) mark in GNAC play.