Franklin, Mass.- The Dean College Bulldogs field hockey team opened the 2024 season with a hard-fought defeat, falling 5-1 at home against University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth on Friday morning.

After a scoreless first period, Umass-Dartmouth broke through in the second, with goals from Jenna Carvalho and Sophia Bouffard four minutes apart. The visitors took a 2-0 lead into the halftime break. The Corsairs out-shot the Bulldogs 3-2 and led in corner kicks 3-1 in an evenly played first half. 

Dean controlled much of the third quarter, dominating possession for the majority of the frame, but the Bulldogs were unable to convert their first five penalty corners. Umass-Dartmouth took advantage and extended their lead on a goal from Maggie McCafferty late in the third.

The hosts finally broke through, early in the fourth period, when first-year Emily Yazzetti (Mahopac, N.Y.) corralled a loose ball in the middle of the field and buried a shot in the bottom corner of the net. The goal was Yazetti's first of the season and the first of her career.

The Bulldogs continued to threaten, but the visitors were able to tack on two more insurance scores to put the game out of reach.

Dean outshot UMD 12-10 on the day, and held a 10-6 advantage in penalty corners. Yazzetti had four shots in addition to her goal, while senior Sydnee Ramos (New Bedford, Mass.) added five shots. Junior Allie Stockwell (Burillville, R.I.) made four saves in her first start of the season as goalkeeper. 

Dean is back in action on Sunday when they host Transylvania University at 11 a.m. on Grant Field. 

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