#6 Panthers Handle Connecticut College, 16-3

Recap, photo courtesy of Middlebury

Middlebury scored the game's first nine goals and didn't look back, as the Panthers posted a 16-3 NESCAC home victory over Connecticut College on Saturday. Sixth-ranked Middlebury (2-1, 1-1) continues conference play next Saturday with a road contest at Wesleyan at 12:00 p.m., while the Camels (1-2, 0-2) head to the United States Merchant Marine Academy on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

The hosts jumped out to an early lead when Emma McDonagh opened the scoring 28 seconds into the contest. Grace Getman doubled the advantage on a free-position goal with 25:06 on the clock.  McDonagh tallied three of the next four goals for the Panthers, as the hosts claimed a 6-0 lead just prior to the midway point of the half.

Middlebury's Emily Barnard later extended the lead to 9-0 on a free-position goal, before the Camels got on the scoreboard. Kate Bermingham scored from the top of the crease on a feed from Kelly Wolin. Barnard and Lily Riseberg added scores for the Panthers in the final 4:30 for an 11-1 cushion at the half.

In the second frame, McDonagh whipped in a sidearm shot with just over five minutes expired for a 12-1 lead, followed by a free-position tally by Casey O'Neill. Middlebury's Kirsten Murphy and Jane Earley added to the lead (15-1) for the hosts, before the Camels recorded two of the game's final three scores. Connecticut College sandwiched goals by Jamie Navoni and Bermingham around a marker from Earley to make the final 16-3.

McDonagh finished with five goals and an assist, surpassing 150 career points (112 goals and 42 assists) for her career, while also extending her point-scoring streak to 30-straight games dating back to her sophomore season. Barnard chipped in with three goals and Earley had a pair, as nine different Panthers scored. Erin Nicholas finished with three ground balls and three caused turnovers, while O'Neill and Henley Hall each collected four draw controls.

Julia Keith earned the win in goal for Middlebury with four saves in the opening half, while Kate Furber registered three stops in the final 30 minutes.

Bermingham scored twice for the Camels and collected a team-best three ground balls. Catherine Lawrence added two caused turnovers and Navoni had four draw controls.