NORTHAMPTON, Mass.--A season opening three game road trip comes to an end with the Smith College field hockey team (0-1) taking part in the Betty Richey Tournament, hosted by Vassar College on September 7-8.  The Pioneers open the tournament against Manhattanville College (1-2), and then will either play Vassar (1-0) or Bay Path (0-1). 



Last Meeting (Manhattanville): This is the first meeting between the schools.

Last Meeting (Vassar): In the opener to this tournament a year ago, Vassar beat Smith 6-2 on September 9, 2011.  Grace Maliska (Winchendon, Mass./Murdock) and Alexa DeJesus (Somerset, Mass./Somerset) scored the goals for Smith. 

Last Smith Win (Vassar): September 16, 2006.  Smith 1, Vassar 0 (OT).  In the first round of the Seven Sisters championship at Swarthmore, Smith beat Vassar in overtime. 

Last Meeting (Bay Path):  Smith routed the Wildcats 12-1 in the consolation game of last year's tournament on September 10, 2011.  Allie Stein (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) set two new school records for goals in a game (six) and points in a game (13).

Smith Overview: Smith opened the season with a tough 7-6 loss to Nichols College on Tuesday night.  The goalfest saw Kristen Estes (Falmouth, Mass./Falmouth) score her first hat-trick, while Allie Stein (Ann Arbor, Mich./Pioneer) scored twice and Sophie Demuynck (Mt. Holly, N.J./Moorestown Friends) also found the back of the cage. 

Manhattanville Overview: After opening the season with losses to Juniata and Stevens Tech, the Valiants rebounded to beat Mercy College 4-0 on September 4.

Vassar Overview: This will be the first action in a week for the Brewers, who haven't played since a season opening 3-1 win over Hartwick on August 31. 

Bay Path Overview: The Wildcats opened the year with a 2-0 loss to Wells College on September 1.

Smith Player to Watch: Dari Goulden (Rutledge, Pa./Strath Haven) made her return to the field after spending 2011 abroad, and set up two goals.

Manhattanville Player to Watch: Sharon Konfederak scored twice against Mercy and has a team high seven points through three games.

Vassar Player to Watch: Anna Schroeder scored the game winner against Hartwick.

Bay Path Player to Watch: Stephanie Belsen made 22 saves in the loss to Wells, facing 3-0 shots on cage.

Did you know? Smith reached the championship game of this tournament in 2010, falling to Vassar 4-2.


Note: There are several ways to keep up with Smith College Athletics.  In addition to the latest news and scores found on smithpioneers.com, you can also follow us on Twitter (@smithpioneers), Facebook, and see our photos on Instagram (@Smithpioneers).