Box Score NORTHAMPTON - The sixth-ranked Babson College field hockey team used a strong second half to take down Smith, 3-0, Saturday afternoon. Smith dips to 7-6 overall and 2-3 in the NEWMAC. The Beavers move to 12-1 with an unblemished 5-0 mark in conference play. Iseul Park (Ann Arbor, MI/) was impressive in the net, making 12 saves for the Bears.

First Half Highlights

• The first quarter began with Smith's Iseul Park (Ann Arbor, MI/) in goal, who quickly became a pivotal player, making multiple saves to thwart Babson's early offensive attempts. Despite Babson's aggressive start, including a penalty corner and several shots by Caroline DiGiovanni and Penny Baroni, Park remained unyielding. Babson dominated early possession, generating six shots, but Park was instrumental in keeping the game scoreless with five saves, including key stops at the 2:23 and 5:52 marks. Smith responded with offensive pressure of their own. A penalty corner by Callahan Day (Shady Side, MD/Elizabeth Seton) led to consecutive shots by Isabel Johnson (Fort Worth, TX/Trinity Valley School), Sam Sparling (Croton on Hudson, NY/Croton Harmon), and Day herself, all stopped by Babson's Madison Tibbals. Smith continued to apply pressure with another penalty corner but could not convert before the quarter concluded. The score remained tied at 0-0 as the quarter ended, with both teams demonstrating strong defensive capabilities.
• The second quarter commenced with Babson exerting offensive pressure, but Smith's defense, led by Park, made crucial saves, including a shot from Caroline DiGiovanni at 23:57. Babson maintained offensive pressure with five penalty corners, all executed by Grace Mullaney, yet Smith's defense remained unyielding. Park recorded two crucial saves, including a key stop against Baroni at the quarter's close, maintaining the scoreless tie. Smith's offensive highlight came from Nikki Tridico (Arlington, VA/), who managed a shot at 28:21, though it was saved by Tibbals. Despite the efforts on both sides, the quarter concluded with a scoreless tie, maintaining a 0-0 scoreboard as the teams headed into the next quarter.

Second Half Highlights

• Babson's offensive pressure early in the third quarter resulted in multiple penalty corners, culminating in a goal by Alex Michelotti at 38:09, marking the first score of the game. Shortly after, Ashley Braren extended the visitor's lead to 2-0 with a goal assisted by Baroni at 39:39. The visiting team leveraged two penalty corners, both initiated by Mullaney, to maintain offensive momentum, leaving Smith trailing at the end of the quarter with Babson holding a 2-0 advantage.
• In the fourth quarter, Babson's offense intensified, but Smith's goalkeeper, Park, showcased resilience with crucial saves. Park denied multiple attempts from Babson's players, including two consecutive saves against Baroni and Lauren Knight following penalty corners. Despite Park's efforts, Babson's Ally Antonacci managed to score at 54:21, assisted by Baroni, extending Babson's lead. Babson maintained offensive pressure, recording five shots, four of which were saved by Park. Despite the defensive efforts, Smith could not find a breakthrough, ending the quarter with Babson leading 3-0.

Up Next
Smith travels to Amherst College Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30pm

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