Photo by Ayla Safran ’18
Sophomore Ana Ballou ‘20 runs down the field, controlling the ball, as members of the Babson College team trails behind her. Seniors Katie Braz ‘19 and Sophie Perekslis ‘19, trying to catch up with her as they tried to score.
BY KARI FOSSUM '21
The Mount Holyoke field hockey team competed against their latest — and perhaps greatest — rival of the 2017 season: Babson College Beavers, currently ranked second in the nation on Saturday, Sept. 30. Despite an overcast sky and temperatures dipping into the 40s, Mount Holyoke fans, from parents and four-legged family members to the entire Mount Holyoke lacrosse team, came out to support MHC field hockey.
Combating both a fierce rival and a biting wind, the Lyons played valiantly throughout the first half. However, Babson took an early lead, scoring twice within the first 10 minutes of play. The Lyons, undeterred, continued to push the Beavers until the very end of the half, just missing a shot with minutes left on the clock. Even then, Babson managed to score one more goal just before the half ended, putting them at a 3-0 lead.
Photo by Ayla Safran '18
Junior Kristina Ramsden ‘19 chases down a loose ball.
Despite the first half of the game, the Lyons resumed play for the second half with a confidence and determination that belied the score. Bolstered by cries of “Go Yoke!” from the stands, the Lyons didn’t let up on Babson for a moment. Finding a new wave of energy, the Lyons descended on the Babson goalkeeper, and had multiple shot attempts that were within inches of the goal. With seven minutes left on the clock, Mount Holyoke’s Kathryn Rawson ’18 scored, ending the match 3-1 for Babson.
Regardless of the outcome, the Lyons were proud of their performance against the number-two ranked Beavers. “We definitely beat them in the second half,” Cymone Martin ’18 said, “They came out strong, and the first two goals were unlucky; during the second half, they got tired, and definitely a little bit scared that we could win. We beat them with heart.” Martin also touched on the fact that the contest against Babson was the game of the week; “It was really nice to have all of the people come, all of the different sports teams.”
Mount Holyoke stills maintains a positive record for the 2017 season, having claimed five wins opposing teams including Castleton University, Clark University, RPI, Thomas University and Wesleyan University. Their next game will be on Oct.14 at 12 p.m. against Wheaton College.