Photo courtesy of Mount Holyoke Athletics.
Mount Holyoke Field Hockey celebrated LGBTQ+ athletes in their pride game on Sept. 30, 2023.
By Kate Vavra ’26 and Emily Tarinelli ’25
Staff Writer | Sports Editor
A 1-0 loss to Clark University did not keep Mount Holyoke College Field Hockey from celebrating LGBTQ+ athletes in its pride game on Saturday, Sept. 30.
According to a post on the team’s Instagram page, all field hockey teams across the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference — including Mount Holyoke — played games this weekend raising money and awareness for Athlete Ally, a nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ athletes and ending homophobia and transphobia in sports.
Before the game started, the commentator announced the game’s pride theme and its importance. “NEWMAC Field Hockey stands with Athlete Ally in working to provide everyone equal access, opportunity and experience in sports. We hope the funds we raise can help Athlete Ally continue their activism in providing education and meaningful change in and through sports,” the commentator stated.
Siggy Ehrlich ’26, a member of the team, expanded on the connections with Athlete Ally. Former player and team manager Emet Marwell ’18 and current assistant coach Anna Baeth, work for Athlete Ally. “We wanted to show support for our teammates, an alum of the team and for our assistant coach who does a lot each day to be able to play with us,” Ehrlich said.
After a grueling four quarters of intense play, the two teams were forced into a 10-minute overtime. With less than a minute remaining on the clock, Clark scored a goal, securing a win for the Cougars.
Out of the 15 shots of the game, Mount Holyoke attempted nine and put three shots on goal. Clark locked in three saves against the Lyons’ offense, and Mount Holyoke goalie Rachel Katzenberg ’25 made a diving save on a potential goal during the second quarter.
Next, Mount Holyoke Field Hockey will host Salve Regina University on Oct. 14.