Merrimack Field Hockey Claims Fifth-Straight Victory, Downs AIC 3-0

The eighth-ranked field hockey team extended its winning-streak to a program-record five games with a 3-0 victory over American International Saturday evening at Warrior Field. The Warriors improved to 5-1 on the year with their fourth-straight shutout. The Yellow Jackets progress to 3-3 overall with the non-league loss.

Danielle Dufault of Holden tallied her first career goal with 10:17 remaining in the first half. Dufault’s persistency around the cage paid off as she knocked in her own rebound to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Just before the conclusion of the opening frame, Sarah Salatto of Guilford, Conn., threaded a pass to April Daugherty of Wakefield, R.I., behind the visitors’ defense. Daugherty smacked a one-time shot past the onrushing goalkeeper and into the left corner for her team-high third goal of the season.

Merrimack carried the 2-0 advantage into the intermission as it owned a 15-5 edge in shots.

In the 51st minute of the contest, Jessica Otis of Pittsford, N.Y., maneuvered around the American International defense inside the penalty area. The sophomore worked her way over to the right side before sending a shot into the goal to lift the Warriors’ lead to 3-0.

The home team finished with a 33-13 margin in shots on the night, including a 20-6 gap in shots on frame. The Yellow Jackets earned 11 of the game’s 18 penalty corners.

Kerri Bergquist of Mashpee continued her outstanding play between the pipes for Merrimack. The junior turned aside six shots to pick up her fifth win of the campaign. She also ran her scoreless-streak to 299:22 while recording her fourth clean sheet in a row.

“An overall great performance tonight by our team and a well-deserved win,” said head coach Anne Rounce. “I was pleased with our determination tonight and with the way that we put pressure on them. Our defense had another fantastic game. They communicated well and played smart.”

The Warriors travel to Rindge, NH to take on Franklin Pierce in the final non-conference game of the season. Merrimack opens Northeast-10 Conference play Sept. 22 as it hosts Southern Connecticut.