FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Despite scoring an early go-ahead goal and an Autumn Mallory (Leonardtown, Md./Leonardtown) hat trick, the York College field hockey team eventually suffered a 5-3 loss to the hands of No. 16 Mary Washington on the road on Wednesday evening.

Mallory put together a performance that she won't soon forget, scoring her first of three goals and giving York (10-6, 1-3 CAC) the early lead 5:32 into the game. Mallory received a cross from fellow freshman Beth Patrick (Pitman, N.J./Pitman) before sending her shot to pay dirt.

Mary Washington (13-3, 4-0), as expected, responded to York's early tally as the Eagles put two goals on the board.

York didn't flitch or back down as Mallory notched her second tally with 22 seconds remaining in the first half to bring the score to 2-2 heading into halftime. Mallory broke away from the Eagle defense on the play after receiving a pass from freshman Ali Posey (Airville, Pa./Red Lion).

The two squads traded blows nearly two minutes apart in the second half, as it was Posey to Mallory for York's third and final tally. However, Mary Washington added on two more goals, including one by the CAC's leading goal-scorer and point-gatherer in Jenna Steele.

Freshman goalkeeper Jessica Everett (Windsor, Pa./Red Lion) managed to make eight saves in a contest where she was under duress, facing 24 total shots with 13 finding their way on target.

The Spartans hit the road on Saturday for their last regular-season away game as they travel to Dover, Del. to face the Wesley Wolverines at 1:00 p.m.

Autumn Mallory photo courtesy of Scott Guise – Director of Athletic Communications