Courtesy: UVM Athletic Communications
DURHAM, N.H. ? Senior Danielle Collins (Walpole, Mass.) scored and sophomore Kristen Heavens (Harwinton, Conn.) picked up her second shutout in as many days as the University of Vermont field hockey team defeated #17 Providence 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the University of New Hampshire. The win is the Catamounts’ first ever over a ranked opponent, as they improve to 2-0 on the season.
“Today was a great field hockey game,” said Vermont head coach Nicki Houghton. “Providence is a very disciplined and well structured team. We created some great scoring opportunities and capitalized with Danielle’s goal in the first half.”
Vermont scored the only goal of the contest 21:50 into the game. Collins tallied her second in as many games on a feed from the top of the circle from junior Jennifer Angers (Mansfield, Mass.). The assist was the first point of Angers career.
The one goal lead would stand in the second half as Heavens has yet to allow a goal this season, and she made six saves in the contest. Rachel Chamberlain stopped four shots in goal for Providence. The Friars outshot Vermont 10-7 for the game and each team earned four penalty corners.
The Friars (0-1) came into the contest ranked 17th in the STX/NFHCA Division I Preseason Poll and were 8-0 all-time against Vermont.
“The team showed a lot of heart and gave it their all today,” added Houghton. “Kristen was outstanding this weekend.”
Vermont returns to action on Thursday when it hosts America East newcomer Fairfield in conference play starting at 3:00pm at Moulton Winder Field. The game will be the Catamounts first home contest of the season and first of four straight overall.
NOTES: Collins is now just two points shy of tying the school record and is four tallies behind the all-time goals mark ... Vermont has now started the season 2-0 for the first time since 1992 ... Sunday was the first game of the season for Providence ... The Catamounts play three neutral site games at UNH this year, as they will take on Pacific on September 13 ... Heavens already has two shut outs this season after coming into the year with one in her first season of play.