BRIGHTON, Mass. – Simmons field hockey (11-1) handed Thomas College (6-5) its first loss against a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) team shutting out the Terriers, 2-0, on Saturday afternoon. The victory set the program-record for the team's best start to the season at 11-1.
 
Momentum favored Thomas early as the Terriers were pressuring the Sharks defense, but Simmons managed to keep the game scoreless heading into the second period. Four minutes into the second quarter, junior Zoe Schmaling connected with senior Anna Tedeschi to break up the stalemate as the Sharks took a 1-0 lead into the intermission.
 
When the teams returned to the field at the start of the second half, fellow senior Sydney Gonyea knocked in an insurance goal 37 seconds into the third, from senior Hannah Groves. The Sharks defense was outstanding, defending 10 penalty corner opportunities – including seven in the second half to earn their 11^th victory of the season.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Bright picked up her fifth win of the season, registering seven saves in the victory.
 
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Senior Anna Tedeschi registered the game-winner in the 19^th minute for her 15^th goal of the season.
• Classmate Sydney Gonyea kept pace and remained at the top of the GNAC leaders in goals with her 16^th goal of the season 37 seconds into the second half.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Bright earned her fifth win with seven saves.

GAME NOTES

• The Sharks move to 11-1 on the season the best start in program history.
• Simmons became the first GNAC team to score upon and defeat Thomas College this season.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the field on Tuesday, October 8 when they travel to Newton, Massachusetts to face Lasell University at 5 p.m.