Junior Kathryn Nelson scored both Stonehill goals, including the gamewinner with just 1:00 to play in regulation today at Franklin Pierce. (PHOTO BY Andrew Katsampes).

Nelson nets both Skyhawk goals, including game-winner with 1:00 to play

RINDGE, N.H. (September 18, 2010) – Junior Kathryn Nelson (Shrewsbury, Mass./Shrewsbury) scored twice, including the game winner with one minute to play in regulation, to lift Stonehill College to a 2-1 victory over Franklin Pierce University in non-conference field hockey action at Sodexo Field this afternoon.

Nelson scored in each half to lead Stonehill to the win, netting the deciding goal when she tipped in a drive from outside the arc by senior Michaela Deasy (North Falmouth, Mass./Falmouth) off the Skyhawks 13^th penalty corner of the afternoon. Nelson has now scored four-straight goals for Stonehill, leading the way in a pair of 2-1 wins this week.

Senior goaltender Courtney Osier (South Dennis, Mass./Dennis-Yarmouth) preserved the win with nine saves for Stonehill, who finished with a 21-17 edge in shots for the contest. The Skyhawks also posted a 13-7 advantage in corners. Junior Brittany Nyzio (Attleboro, Mass./Worcester Academy) stopped seven shots in the cage fro Franklin Pierce.

Junior Tia Levens (Manchester, Maine/Maranacook) scored the lone goal for Franklin Pierce. The Ravens didn't quit in the final minute, forcing three penalty corners in the final 15-seconds. Stonehill senior captain Lauren Gifford (Goffstown, N.H./Goffstown) recorded a defensive save on a shot from Franklin Pierce junior Kimberly Jaksina (Townsend,

Senior Courtney Osier made nine saves to preserve the win. (PHOTO BY Andrew Katsampes)

Mass./North Middlesex) after time had expired, but the Skyhawks couldn't clear the zone and the Ravens forced a third corner. Jaksina was denied again, this time by Osier and then a rebound by sophomore Susan Conroy (Walpole, Mass./Walpole) was off the mark to finally end the game.

Nelson opened the scoring with a shot from the top of the arc off a pass from senior Courtney Foley (Wakefield, Mass./Wakefield Memorial) with 5:12 left in the first half.

Franklin Pierce equalized 12:01 into the second half when Levins tipped in a long pass from midfield by senior Kayla Simeone (North Kingstown, R.I./North Kingstown) past Osier.

Stonehill's winning goal came off the second of two-straight penalty corner tries with Nelson finishing in front, off the Deasy ball from just outside the arc.

Stonehill (3-3, 0-0 NE-10) is back in action on Wednesday, when it visits No. 3-ranked University of Massachusetts Lowell for a non-conference matchup at 7 p.m. The Skyhawks return home next Saturday, September 25, to host Saint Anselm College at noon. Franklin Pierce (2-3, 1-0 NE-10) travels to Adelphi University next Saturday at noon.