POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (September 3, 2022)  – Fifth-year Emily Franco made six saves, but the Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team fell to No. 19 Vassar College 3-0 Saturday in the opening round of the annual Betty Richey Tournament on Weinberg Field.

Junior Paulina Georgoutsos recorded her first career defensive save for the Ducks, who saw their record even at 1-1.

Leilani Llamas, Maggie Werner and Jaclyn Narleski each scored for Vassar, who improved to 2-0. The Brewers have won all three meetings between the programs.

Stevens will take on either Endicott College or Marywood University Sunday as action wraps up in the annual event, named in honor of one of Vassar's longest tenured coaches and athletics figures. Richey spent more than 20 years on the United States national field hockey team between 1931 and 1958 and founded the first intercollegiate women's squash program at Vassar in 1937.

A spirited defensive effort held Vassar off the board in the opening quarter as the Ducks turned aside three of the five Brewer shots. Llamas finally broke through in the 22nd minute, beating Franco after weaving through the Ducks' defensive third for her first goal of the season.

Werner doubled Vassar's lead two minutes later. Franco rejected Werner's first try, but Vassar maintained possession and Narleski fed Werner for a tip-in goal.

Stevens turned in another strong defensive effort in the third, holding Vassar to just two shots, while thwarting three penalty corners. Narleski scored in the final minute to provide the final margin of victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Vassar finished with 17 shots, including 10 on-goal.
• Franco's six saves brought her career total to 270.
• Stevens held Vassar scoreless off of its five penalty corners.
• The contest marked the collegiate debut of first-years Maeryn Erdheim and Elizabeth Sullivan

From the Sidelines - Head Coach Meredith Spencer-Blaetz

• "We learned a lot today, much like we do with all of our early games. Our defense played their hearts out against a lethal Vassar offense and tomorrow, we will focus on generating a bit more offense. It's great to challenge ourselves early in the season so that we can see what we are capable of. Excited to regroup tonight and go back to the fight tomorrow."

Up Next

• Field Hockey will take on either Endicott or Marywood in the final day of competition of the Betty Richey Tournament.
• Links for live stats and video are available on StevensDucks.com.

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