Box Score

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The American International College field hockey team opened the 2010 campaign with a 3-1 win over ninth-ranked Mercyhurst College Sunday afternoon at Ronald J. Abdow Field. The victory was the first for head coach Stacey Blue, who was making her debut as a head coach.

The Yellow Jackets (1-0) led for most of the game after sophomore forward Kristen Angeletti (Wallingford, Conn.) scored just 4:47 into the game with an assist from junior forward Amanda McLean (Branford, Conn.).

The score remained 1-0 in favor of AIC until 6:58 into the second half when junior back Serena Slattery (South Wales, N.Y.) tied the game off a feed from junior back Rachel Sluberski (Elma, N.Y.).

The game didn't remain tied long as the Yellow Jackets were awarded a penalty stroke7:37 later and sophomore forward/midfielder Lisa Duckles (Netcong, N.J.) buried the shot to give AIC the lead for good. Sophomore forward/midfielder Mackenzie Kewley (Rutland, Mass.) added an unassisted goal in the 53rd minute for the 3-1 final.

Junior goalkeeper Kim Steiner (Little Falls, N.Y.) recorded 16 saves to earn the decision in goal for the Yellow Jackets, while junior goalie Ashley Wiskup (Holland, N.Y.) took the loss with a six-save effort.

Shots were even at 18 apiece, but Mercyhurst held a 14-7 advantage in penalty corners.

AIC will return to action Monday when it hosts Seton Hill at noon.