HENNIKER, N.H. – Simmons field hockey (2-0) opens the 2024 season at 2-0 following a 3-1 victory over Delaware Valley University (0-1) on the campus of New England College, Saturday afternoon.
 
The Sharks put the pressure on the Aggie defense early with seven quarters in the first quarter. However, they were unable to convert on them and sneak the ball into the back of the cage until midway through the next period.  
 
Six minutes into the second quarter, senior forward Sydney Gonyea collected her own rebound and knocked in her fourth goal of the season past Aggie goalie Alyssa Rudd to put the Sharks on top 1-0. That's where it stood going to the halftime intermission.
 
When the teams returned to the field at the start of the third quarter, the Sharks kept the heat on. Sophomore Lilly Taglieri knocked in the game-winning goal four minutes into the half, before senior Hannah Groves added an insurance goal just before time winded down on the quarter.
 
Sophomore goalkeeper Haley Bright was outstanding in net, playing all 60 minutes registering five saves, despite giving up a Aggie goal in the fourth quarter.
 
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Senior forward Sydney Gonyea broke up a 0-0 contest six minutes into the second quarter with her team-leading fourth goal of the season.
• Sophomore Lilly Taglieri registered the eventual game-winner four minutes into the third quarter.
• First-year goalkeeper Haley Bright collected her second win on the season recording five saves.

UP NEXT
Simmons returns to the field on Wednesday, September 4 when they travel to Fitchburg State University at 6 p.m.