NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Newberry College field hockey team closed out its three-game homestand in winning fashion Sunday, shutting out Mansfield 3-0 behind a pair of goals from Finet Heemskerk.
The Wolves controlled possession throughout much of the opening quarter, registering three shots while limiting Mansfield to just one. Neither side was able to break through, however, sending the match into the second quarter scoreless.
The defensive battle continued throughout much of the second period as both teams struggled to generate quality scoring opportunities. With less than a minute remaining before halftime, Newberry finally found its breakthrough.
The Wolves earned a penalty corner, and Karlijn Frenken inserted the ball directly to Heemskerk at the top of the shooting circle. Heemskerk wasted no time, ripping a shot past the Mansfield goalkeeper and into the back of the cage to give Newberry a 1-0 advantage heading into the break.
Newberry added to its lead six minutes into the third quarter after drawing a foul that resulted in a penalty stroke. Payton Keeler stepped to the spot and calmly fired her attempt past the goalkeeper, doubling the Wolves' advantage at 2-0.
The Wolves weren't finished.
In the closing minutes of the third quarter, Parker Keeler fired a shot toward goal that Heemskerk redirected into the back of the net. The goal gave Heemskerk her second of the match and stretched Newberry's lead to 3-0 entering the final period.
With a three-goal cushion, the Newberry defense took care of the rest. Neither team found the back of the net in the fourth quarter, allowing the Wolves to secure the 3-0 shutout victory.
Newberry's defense held Mansfield to just one shot for the entire match, with the Mountaineers' lone attempt coming in the opening quarter.
The Wolves will now enjoy a break from game action before returning to the field Saturday, October 3, when they travel to Wingate for a 1:00 P.M. matchup.
