By Izabela Gage Asst. Sports Editor Field hockey traveled to Fitchburg State University for their first conference game Sept. 20, and Eastern Connecticut State University for a non-conference game Sept. 25. The Rams fell to the Fitchburg State Falcons 4-2 and the Eastern Connecticut State Warriors 2-0, bringing their overall record to 1-4, and their conference record to 0-1. Fitchburg State opened the action-packed game with their first shot on goal less than 30 seconds in, which did not find the back of the net. Framingham kept up the pace, earning four shots on goal in the first five minutes of the game. With 45 seconds left in the first, the Falcons netted the first goal of the game, gaining the lead 1-0. The teams went back-and-forth for the entire first quarter, with Framingham totaling seven shots on goal and Fitchburg right behind them with six. The Falcons scored their second goal less than a minute into the second quarter, while the Rams struggled and only had one shot on goal. Two minutes into the third quarter, first-year Finley Hogan scored her first collegiate goal, assisted by senior captain Emma Bailey. First-year Mikayla Malmquist scored unassisted 48 seconds later, earning her first collegiate goal, tying up the game 2-2. The Rams fought hard on defense. However, the Falcons regained their lead when they netted their third goal four minutes later. Framingham struggled to keep up in the fourth, unable to make any opportunity to score. Fitchburg stayed consistent and found the back of the net once more with six minutes left in the game. The Rams stayed dominant with their defense as sophomore goaltender Kaitlyn Tello saved 16 shots out of 20, earning a .800 save percentage. When asked about her first collegiate goal, Hogan said, “Scoring gave me more confidence in myself, which directly correlates to my motivation and excitement that I can help my team on the field.” About scoring her first goal, Malmquist said it was “a relief to get one on the board.” She added, “I’m excited to keep pushing myself offensively.” Most recently, Framingham State lost in a shutout to the Eastern Connecticut State Warriors. ECSU gained an early lead, netting their first goal nine minutes into the game. The Rams struggled with offense, only tallying one shot on goal from senior captain Kaylee Beck 14 minutes into the first quarter. Framingham had no opportunity to score in the second quarter, totaling zero shots on goal. Eastern Connecticut was able to secure their second goal with six minutes left. Beck tried to score once more in the first minute of the third quarter, but was unable to find the back of the net. Goaltender Rowan Whittaker stayed on top of defense and did not let the Warriors score again in the third. The fourth quieted down, with ECSU only fighting for two shots on goal, and FSU came up empty-handed. The defense was strong, as Whittaker made 12 saves out of 14, acquiring a .857 save percentage. Malmquist said, “[This season] has had a slow start game-wise, but we have only had one conference game so far, so we are ready to jump into some more.” Sophomore Natalie Roehr said, “We’re taking it one game at a time and fighting for every ball. We’re working on giving it our 100% effort all the time.” The Rams are coming back after a loss in the MASCAC finals last year, and are looking for redemption. “Being part of a team with such high goals is really motivating, and it pushes us to give our best every day,” Malmquist said. Roehr said the team has maintained their high expectations. “We’re going to keep fighting every single game for what we want at the end of this season.” Hogan said, “No matter how hard they push us in practices or games, they’re super supportive and I think all the freshmen realize they see our potential and want us to reach it. “It makes us push so much harder knowing that we can make it just as far this year if not further,” she added. Framingham State plays conference opponent Salem State at the Maple Street Field for a mental health awareness game Sept. 28.
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