NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--The final home game of the season beckons for the Smith College field hockey team (7-9) when the Pioneers host Keene State College (11-7) on Thursday afternoon. It marks the final home game in the careers of Smith College seniors
Sophie Demuynck (Mt. Holly, N.J./Moorestown Friends) and
Dari Goulden (Rutledge, Pa./Strath Haven).
Last Meeting: The host Owls scored four times in the first 10 minutes as Keene State beat Smith 5-1 on October 27, 2011.
Last Smith Win: Smith improved to 2-0 on the year with a 3-0 win over Keene State on September 13, 1997.
Smith Overview: The Pioneers suffered a 5-4 defeat to Clark University in the teams' penultimate NEWMAC contest of the year. Despite the loss, Smith remains in the hunt for a NEWMAC tournament berth heading into the final regular season game this weekend. A win over MIT as well combined with Babson beating Mount Holyoke on the same day would give the Pioneers the final playoff berth.
Keene State Overview: The Owls are heading to the Little East Conference tournament, likely as the No. 3 seed, thanks to their 8-2 conference record. Keene State has won five of the last seven LEC tournament championships, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament last season before falling to Bowdoin.
Senior Profiles:
As mentioned, this marks the final regular season game for the two members of Smith's senior class.
Dari Goulden (Rutledge, Pa./Strath Haven) has played for three years for Smith, spending her junior season abroad. Converting from forward to defense this season, she has still contributed a goal and three assists so far this season. She also four goals in each of her first year and sophomore seasons.
Sophie Demuynck (Mt. Holly, N.J./Moorestown Friends) has been a four year player for Smith, having played in 62 games, scoring four goals and setting up four more from her defender position. A co-captain as a senior, she's scored goals against Nichols, Bay Path, and Springfield this season, while starting every contest.
Did you know? Today's game is also a fundraiser for the Susan B. Komen Foundation. Play 4 The Cure Wristbands will be sold to raise money and awareness for breast cancer during the game, and fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game.
