LOWELL, MA – The Merrimack College field hockey team came out with the victory Friday night against Mercyhurst, 2-1. 

After a scoreless first period from both sides it was the Warriors who would strike first. Junior forward Gianna Cioni would put one towards the back of the net to get things going for Merrimack, and just a little over a minute later it was senior mid Kaitlyn Welsh who would increase the lead to 2, off a beautiful assist from senior Darla Mahoney. The Lakers would go on to put themselves on the scoreboard in the third period making it 2-1 Warriors heading into the fourth. With a minute and change left on the clock, sophomore goalkeeper Kayla Whitters would make the play of the game, with a diving save off a breakaway opportunity for the Lakers, to seal the win for the Warriors.

Christina Hathaway had this to say after picking up win number one on the season . . ."Today was a really special moment for our program. To earn our first win of the season in our first home game and to see the way this team fought, believed in each other, and competed from start to finish is something I'm incredibly proud of. There has been so much work, growth, and belief behind the scenes, and to see it come together today was really meaningful. This win is just the beginning, and I could not be more excited about this group, where we are headed, and the future we are building together at Merrimack."

Merrimack now sits at 1-1 in NEC play and will look to add to the win total this Sunday when they take on the Sacred Heart Pioneers from Cushing Field Complex on the campus of UMass Lowell. Start time set for 6pm, you can catch the action live on NEC Front Row.