After being ranked 10th in the country to open the season, the New Haven field hockey team struggled to find a win over its first four games. While three of those games came against ranked opponents, including one goal losses to Adelphi and Assumption, the Chargers were left waiting for their first win of the year.

This would come as they traveled to Vermont to take on St. Michael’s College, walking away from the long trip with a 1-0 win over the Purple Knights.

The first period went by quietly for both sides as neither were able to find the back of the net. New Haven’s defense remained strong, giving up just a single shot during the period that was blocked.

In the second period, midfielder Sophia Schreck connected for her second goal of the season, giving New Haven a 1-0 lead in the match; forward Abby Nixon was credited with the assist. This would be enough for the Chargers as their defense kept the St. Michael’s offense off the board.

When the buzzer sounded, New Haven dominated on the stat sheet, tallying 15 shots on goal while the Purple Knights were limited to just seven. Schreck led the team with five, while sophomore defender added three of her own to pace the offensive attack. The defense was anchored by goalkeeper Kiera Integlia, who made seven saves and kept St. Michael’s scoreless. It was her seventh career shutout as a Charger, and her first of the 2022 season.

With the win, New Haven improves to 1-4 (1-0 NE-10) and starts conference play strong. Meanwhile, St. Michael’s falls to 0-5 (0-1 NE-10).

Field hockey returns to play on Tuesday for their first home game of the 2022 season. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on the blue turf of Ralph F. DellaCamera Stadium. More information on their upcoming schedule can be found at NewHavenChargers.com.