BABSON PARK, Mass. — The Endicott field hockey team fell to No. 3 nationally ranked Babson, 4-2, in Friday evening's season opener at MacDowell Field.
After Babson hopped out to a 2-0 lead, the Gulls were able to cut the deficit to just one tally as they headed to break. The goal came via Natalia Arjona (Ashland, Mass.) after she was set up by Maddy Young (Hingham, Mass.).
In the third, Babson regained a two goal lead, but the Blue and Green trimmed the lead back to one again thanks to Tori Swanson's (Farmington, Conn.) first goal of the season.
The game remained a one goal contest until the 47th minute, when Babson once again buried a shot off the stick of Caroline DiGiovanni (Harwich, Mass.), which gave her a hat trick in the match.
From there, the hosts didn't look back and handed the Gulls their first loss of the season.
Junior goalkeeper Alexis DeMattia (Methuen, Mass.) was key in the close contest, as she racked up nine saves off 13 Beaver shots. She was replaced by Faith Minickene (Madison, Conn.) in the 48th minute, who made her collegiate debut following Babson's fourth tally of the game.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Beavers now hold a 12-4 advantage in the all-time series.
- Arjona's goal was the second of her career, and first since September 16, 2023 at Nichols (10-0 W).
- Swanson's goal was the 33rd of her career, which places her just outside Endicott's top ten. She currently ranks third all-time in points and goals per game (1.94; 0.89).
- Minickene turned away the only shot on goal she faced in her playing time.
- The Gulls are 7-2 in their last nine season openers.
WHAT'S NEXT
Endicott (0-1) welcomes Salem State to North Field for a 7 PM contest on Wednesday, September 4. No. 3 Babson (1-0) welcomes Conn. College to its campus on Tuesday, September 3 for a 6 PM contest.
For the latest on Endicott Athletics, follow the Gulls on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
(Photo Credit - Kaeli Talora '25)
