MANSFIELD, Conn. — The RPI field hockey team received goals from
Jianna Seale and
Sophia Brown while limiting Eastern Connecticut State to just two shots in a 2-1 road victory this afternoon at Rick McCarthy Field.
The two sides played through a scoreless opening half despite RPI controlling the majority of the offensive chances. The Engineers generated seven shots and three penalty corners over the first 30 minutes, while Eastern Connecticut managed just one shot.
Emily Frey came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second quarter when her attempt struck the post, while
Kylie Secker later forced a save from goalkeeper Kate Paradise.
RPI finally broke through early in the third quarter following a penalty corner. Secker set up Seale for her third goal of the season, giving the Engineers a 1-0 advantage. Seale nearly added another later in the period, but her second attempt on goal was stopped by Eastern Connecticut goalkeeper Veronica McKenna.
The Engineers doubled their advantage early in the fourth when Seale turned provider, setting up Brown for her eighth goal of the season and a 2-0 lead. Eastern Connecticut answered shortly thereafter as Sophie Ash converted a feed from Grace Barlage to trim the margin to one.
RPI kept the Warriors from generating another shot over the remainder of the contest. Brown produced one final scoring opportunity in the closing seconds, forcing a save from McKenna before the Engineers secured the 2-1 decision.
Seale led the RPI attack with a goal and an assist while putting two of her three shots on target. Brown scored once on two shots on goal, and Secker recorded an assist.
Ria Patel, Frey and Brown each registered two total shots as eight different Engineers recorded at least one attempt.
RPI finished with a 14-2 advantage in total shots, including a 5-2 edge in shots on goal, and earned all five penalty corners in the contest.
Megan Rice played all 60 minutes in goal and made one save while allowing just one goal.
