Danville, Ky. – The W&L Field Hockey team opened its 2008 season this afternoon and dropped a 2-1 decision to Centre on Saturday afternoon.

After falling behind a goal just over two minutes into the game, W&L senior forward Christina Merchant (Midlothian, Va./Collegiate) knotted the score at one apiece with a goal of her own in the 27th minute. Sophomore midfielder Emily Mathews (Baltimore, Md./Bryn Mawr) was credited with the assist.

Sophomore Kelly Tran (Simsbury, Conn./Ethel Walker) started in cage and recorded three saves. The start marked the first time that Tran had appeared in goal for the Generals. She did see action in 17 games in 2007, however never before in goal. Junior Caroline Habliston (Alexandria, Va./St. Stephens & St. Agnes) took over the goalkeeping duties in the second half and came up with three saves.

The Generals return to action tomorrow when they play at Rhodes at 10:00 am. 

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Scoring Summary
Centre – Teresa Johnstone – 2:09
W&L – Christina Merchant (Emily Mathews) – 27:30
Centre – Sally Faulkner – 37:46

Goalkeepers
Kelly Tran (W&L) – 70:00, 3 saves, 1 GA
Caroline Habliston (W&L) - 35:00, 3 saves, 1 GA
Patty Cowley (Centre) – 70:00, 1 save, 1 GA

Team Stats
W&L – 5 shots, 6 penalty corners, 0 penalty strokes, 6 saves
Centre – 15 shots, 4 penalty corners, 0 penalty strokes, 1 save