Becker Tops WLAX in NECC Opener

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Becker College never trailed in a 19-5 victory over Mitchell College on Wednesday afternoon as the two teams opened New England Collegiate Conference play at Alumni Field.

The Hawks picked up their third straight win and improved to 6-1 on the season. Julia Ravenelle and Arianna Calouro each finished with five goals and an assist to lead the Becker offense. Clare Conway added four goals and a helper while Cassandra Nelson chipped in a pair of goals.

Francesca Pinard paced Mitchell with two goals and two assists while Hannah Corrigan, Kate McCormack and Daniella Holland also recorded tallies. Holland's goal was the first of her collegiate career.

Becker raced out to a 7-0 lead in the game's opening 10:48. Calouro netted three goals during the stretch while Ravenelle and Conway tacked on two apiece. The Mariners finally got on the scoreboard when Pinard found McCormack in front of the net at the 18:23 mark.

Ravenelle scored all of her goals in the first half, with the fifth and final one coming on a free position shot with 70 seconds left in the period. The goal gave the Hawks a 15-4 lead at the break.

Becker slowed down the pace in the second half but still outscored Mitchell by a 4-1 margin. Nikolle Storey made three saves in goal before turning things over to Emily Loud for the final 15:13.

The Hawks held a 41-11 advantage in total shots, keeping Mitchell goalie Gillian MacLellan busy all afternoon. She finished the contest with 13 saves.

Mitchell (1-4 overall, 0-1 NECC) will next host New England College on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. Becker returns to action at home against Southern Vermont College on Saturday at 1 p.m.