Wexler’s Ten Save Shutout Leads Field Hockey Past Engineers in 2022 Opener

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 3, 2022) – The Western New England field hockey team opened their 2022 campaign on home turf, defeating the visiting Engineers of Worcester Polyethnic Institute (WPI) on Saturday afternoon behind sophomore goalkeeper Zoey Wexler's ten save effort. 

Records:

• Western New England: 1-0
• WPI: 0-2

How it Happened:
The Engineers opened the first 15 minutes of play with a dominating effort, outshooting the Golden Bears 4-0 and picking up the only four penalty corners of the game. Although taking four shots, none would be on goal as both teams would be held without a shot on goal through the first quarter. 

As the contest moved into the second quarter, Western New England would find their offensive game and would push to find the first goal of the game. WNE's Haley Kaczka would send a sailing ball into the arc on the crease which would then be batted down by senior Emily Campbell and into the back of the net to give Western New England the early 1-0 lead. WPI would push back towards the end of the second, though WNE GK Zoey Wexler would come away with a big save to close the quarter, as WNE would lead 1-0. WPI would outshoot WNE 6-1 through the first half. The Engineers would collect six penalty corners to open the game while WNE was credited with three. 

A total on nine shots were seen between the two teams in the third quarter, five by the hosts and four by the visitors, all on goal. Both goalkeepers, Nini Acquista for WPI, and Wexler for WNE would see and stop all shots in the quarter. Western New England saw multiple chances come off penalty corners, though were unable to expand on the lead in the quarter. 

WPI came out flying in the fourth, looking to pick up a game tying goal, though the Western New England defense would be too strong in the season opener for the Golden Bears. WPI would shoot five times towards goal in the final 15 minutes of play, though were unable to get a goal past Wexler and WNE. The Golden Bears would hold on to take a 1-0 win on opening day. 

Inside the Arc:

• Senior Emily Campbell was the lone goal scorer for Western New England on the afternoon. Campbell pots her tenth career goal with WNE. 
• GK Zoey Wexler made ten saves on the afternoon on ten shots faced, picking up the win for WNE. The shutout marks the fourth in Wexler's young career. 
• Haley Kaczka picked up the lone assist on the afternoon, earning her first collegiate point. 
• GK Nini Acquista made five saves on six shots faced in the losing effort for the Engineers. 

Up Next on the Schedule:

• The Golden Bears set out for a two-game road trip, setting out for Wheaton College (Mass.) on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00 pm before heading to MIT on Saturday, September 10 at 1:15 pm. 
• WPI hosts Wesleyan (Conn.) University on Tuesday, September 6 at 7:00 pm.