SPRINGFIELD Mass., (November 6, 2006)--The Springfield College field hockey team earned a spot in the NCAA Division III tournament this past weekend with a big 5-4 win over Wellesley College in the finals of the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference tournament. A huge contributor in the win and all through the NEWMAC tournament for the Pride was junior forward Brittany Veazie.

Veazie, from Dexter, Maine, earlier today was named the NEWMAC Player of the Week for the second time this season because of her exceptional play. In two NEWMAC games, the semifinals and finals, Veazie scored four goals and added two assists. In the Pride’s 4-1 victory over Wheaton in the semifinal match, Veazie scored three times and assisted on the Pride’s other score. In the final, Veazie had another spectacular performance where she had an assist and then scored the eventual game-winner in a hard-fought 5-4 victory. With the win, Veazie helped SC to its third straight NCAA Division III automatic bid and third straight NEWMAC championship.

Veazie is currently second in the conference with 18 goals, five behind teammate Jane Kelleher who leads the conference. Veazie also ranks in the top-10 for assists with seven, and is third in points (45) and second in goals per game (0.82).

SC will host a first-round match in the NCAA Division III tournament Wednesday (November 8) against New England College at 4:00 p.m. at Benedum Field.

published: 11/06/2006