Field Hockey Moves on to the GNAC Championship

From left to right: Jadyn Crowell, Katrina Lee, and Sydnee Ramos celebrate the game winning goal. Photo Courtesy: Harrison Soep.

FRANKLIN, MA. – The Dean College Field hockey team faced off against The New England College Pilgrims on Wednesday at Grant Field with one goal in mind: Advance to the GNAC Championship.

The Bulldogs defeated the Pilgrims 1-0 with late goal from Emily Kilpatrick. They are the first ever number one seed in Dean athletics history, and they are making the most of it.

With only three minutes left in the cagey, zero to zero stalemate, both teams were looking for a moment of bravery. The bulldogs finally found the breakthrough after they were able to corral the ball inside the circle. Sydnee Ramos gathered the bouncing ball and fired a shot off the post, nearly breaking the deadlock; Kilpatrick was able to pounce on the rebound and tap it into the open net to give Dean the 1-0 lead.

Although the lone goal would prove to be enough for the Bulldogs, there were lots of key moments leading up to the final moments.

The first half saw both teams trying to find a foot hole in the game, but the only shots on net came from the Bulldogs. Ramos and Emma Gragen were both able to hit the target, but NEC goalkeeper Makenzie Anderson was up for the early task.

The third quarter saw momentum start to pick up for the Pilgrims. Goalkeeper Sara Gardner didn’t face a shot on net until the third quarter, a testament to the Bulldogs defense, however, when she was called upon, she delivered. In the span of ten minutes, Dean faced seven shots, three were saved by Gardner, the other four were blocked by defenders.

The team huddles before the game. Photo Courtesy: Harrison Soep

The Bulldogs ability to stand tall while under pressure speaks to their determination. When asked about what it takes to get it done, and comparing it her career success, head coach Megan Gutierrez said this.

“They have worked so hard all season… every moment meant something to get us here… the number one thing these girls have though is the want to win it all for each other… This team does and it’s better than anything I have ever won.”

The last 15 minutes were all Dean, Gardner made another save, Katrina Lee, Emily Yazzetti, and Ramos all peppered shots on net until Kilpatrick was finally able to finish off the play.

Dean will make history again on Saturday as they will be the first team in Dean College history to host a GNAC championship. They play host to the number three ranked Colby-Sawyer Chargers Saturday, November 8th at 1pm.