BOX SCORE

When and Where: September 27, 2016 – Easton, Mass. (W.B. Mason Field)
Score: No. 5 Stonehill College 2, Southern New Hampshire University 0
Records: SNHU 3-6 (0-5 Northeast-10 Conference), Stonehill 6-2 (3-1 Northeast-10 Conference)

Sophomore Melanie Rennie (Madison, Conn.) registered 13 saves, but a two-goal second half lifted fifth-ranked Stonehill College to a 2-0 victory over Southern New Hampshire University in Northeast-10 Conference field hockey action at W.B. Mason Field on Tuesday night.

The Penmen, who were playing their fourth game in six days and third against an opponent ranked in the top-10 nationally, battled the Skyhawks to a scoreless first half as Rennie turned aside five shots in the stanza. Her counterpart, Sara Freedman, made three saves in the frame to keep SNHU off the board and allow Stonehill to take the lead early in the second.

The hosts wasted little time in getting on the board after intermission and grabbed a 1-0 lead less than three minutes into the second. Kacie Smith collected what proved to be the game winner at 37:42 by gathering a pass, working around two Penmen defenders and tucking a shot inside the far post from five yards out.

Neither side was able to find the back of the cage for the ensuing 23 minutes, with Rennie kicking out six shots and Freedman stopping one. The Skyhawks were able to break through late, with Shea Healey using a feed from Kacie Smith with 9:18 left in regulation to double the Stonehill advantage and provide the final margin of victory. 

Notes:
- Rennie registered double-digit saves for the second time in three outings. She recorded a career-high 14 saves against then No. 9 American International College on Sept. 24 in a double-overtime setback.
- Stonehill held a 33-6 edge in shots, including a 15-4 advantage in shots on goal. The Skyhawks also worked 12 penalty corners, nine of which came in the second half.
- In its three defeats against top-10 opponents, Southern New Hampshire has been outscored by a combined four goals.

What's Next:
The Penmen resume play on Friday (Sept. 30) when they host Mercy College (2-5) for a 3 p.m. faceoff on Larkin Field.