Manning Saves 15 But Wilcts Routed by Anna Maria

PAXTON, MA - Wheelock College played the first game in program history on Friday afternoon against Anna Maria College at AMCAT Field, where the Wildcats were dealt an 18-1 loss. The hosts moved to 2-4 on the season.

Sophomore Michael Manning (Brookfield, NH/Kingswood Regional) made 15 saves, while junior Kevin Kareckas (South Berwick, ME/Marshwood) netted Wheelock's first marker. Classmate Ben Lewis (Hopkinton, MA/Hopkinton) and freshman Zach Bushway (Bethlehem, NH/Profile) each won a pair of face-offs, while Lewis led the Wildcats by scooping up seven ground balls. Manning secured six.

Junior Mike Saulnier (Wrentham, MA/King Philip Regional) netted five goals for Anna Maria, while sophomores Alex Natterstad (Upton, MA/Nipmuc Regional) and Chris Summers (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) each added hat tricks, with Natterstad also providing an assist. Classmate Zach Zipse (Framingham, MA/Marian) had two saves.

During its first quarter of existence, Wheelock limited the AMCATS early, yielding only two markers in the opening 12:49. The hosts held a 4-0 edge after one quarter, and Manning finished with seven of his saves in the following period. Kareckas broke the Wildcats on the board with 5:33 remaining in the third quarter, dodging a defender and going to goal.

Wheelock opens its home slate on Wednesday when it hosts the University of Massachusetts at Boston on Pine Manor College's Hedley Field at 3:30 p.m.

2011-03-19