Box Score

CHICOPEE, Mass. – The American International College field hockey team recorded a 3-2 win over visiting Saint Michael's College, which is ranked sixth in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Coaches' Poll, Sunday afternoon at Elms College. The win was the program's first-ever victory over a nationally ranked opponent. Senior #Jacki Lapointe# (Danvers, Mass.) scored two goals, including the game-winner, and had one assist for the Yellow Jackets as they improved to 2-9 on the season and 2-8 in the Northeast-10.

Lapointe put AIC ahead for good just 1:35 into the contest and that lead was extended to 2-0 on a goal from senior #Chelsey Grogan# (Greenfield, Mass.) at the 7:56 mark of the opening frame. The lead was cut in half when junior Desiree Biron (Bow, N.H.) got the Purple Knights (6-3, 6-3 NE-10) in the 23rd minute, giving AIC a 2-1 lead at halftime.

The score remained 2-1 until the 58th minute when Lapointe tallied her second goal of the contest off a penalty corner. Senior #Stephanie Laskey# (Erving, Mass.) took the initial shot from the top of the scoring area and the ball was redirected by Lapointe into the cage. Sophomore Natalie Elvidge (Newton, N.J.) pulled Saint Michael's back within a goal at 3-2 with seven minutes remaining in the contest, but the Purple Knights were unable to even contest.

Freshman #Kim Steiner# (Redford, N.Y.) recorded five saves to register the win in goal for AIC, while senior Jordan Smalling (Essex Junction, Vt.) had seven saves in taking the loss. Saint Michael's held a 15-13 advantage in shots and both teams had 10 penalty corners.

The Yellow Jackets return to action Thursday when they travel to fourth-ranked UMass Lowell for a 7 p.m. Northeast-10 contest.