SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts —The American International College field hockey team enjoyed a day full of firsts during a 2-0 nonconference victory over Northeast-10 Conference rival St. Michael's College on Wednesday, September 11.

With the win, the Yellow Jackets improved to 1-1 on the campaign.

Making her first career start, the victory marked the first for junior goalkeeper Emily French, as well as her first shutout. She made 11 saves in the decision.

"It feels pretty good," French remarked after the game. "I've been working hard and really wanting this so bad and hard work pays off eventually."

Kylie Gargiulo also secured her first victory as a head coach.

"A moment I'll never forget," Gargiulo said after the game. She was quick to return focus to the team, adding that the win is "a reflection of the hard work and dedication of this team, their resilience, and their belief in what we're building." 

The two teams entered the halftime break scoreless, as both teams struggled to maintain possession. The Yellow Jackets recorded three shots in the first four minutes of the game, but did not have another until under five minutes to play in the second. The Purple Knights only recorded one shot in the first thirty minutes. 

The Purple Knights elected to change goalkeepers at halftime, replacing Joelle Cameron with Riley O'Connor.

The Yellow Jackets came out strong in the first minutes of the third quarter. From the top of the circle, Fenna Voll found the back of the net for the first time this season and fourth time in her career. The goal came 66 seconds into third quarter play.

For the remainder of the quarter, it was primarily the Purple Knights putting shots on target. St. Michael's fired eight shots and drew five corners in the third quarter, running their corner offense primarily through Bridgie Loughlin. French made six saves in the frame. Kylee Rinker recorded a defensive save with 9:42 to go, as a shot from Allie Madeiros had snuck through the legs of French.

The Purple Knights continued to draw opportunities as the fourth quarter began, earning three corners in the first three minutes of the period. They fired four shots during this time, but French saved all four.

AIC's first penalty corner of the fourth saw Voll find the back of the net again, gliding a shot by the left shoulder of O'Connor. The shot came off a redirect from Mar Busqueta from the edge of the circle off the insertion. The goal clinched the first multi-goal game in Voll's career.

The Yellow Jackets brought down the pace of play over the final 8:13, as neither side had a shot on goal throughout the remaining time. 

AIC totaled nine shots on goal and six penalty corners. They allowed 12 shots on target and ten corners to the Purple Knights. 

Gargiulo applauded the team for beginning to play their style of hockey after starting out slow. She gave additional credit to the team for managing to fight out a win on a hot day and without substitutions available.

"The team showed incredible grit and a no-quit attitude."

"It's not just about the win," Gargiulo added. "It's about the growth, and this is just the start of something special."

French commended her teammates on finding a way to work together as the game went on. 

"[We] fell in love with each other all over again."

The Yellow Jackets return to action at Abdow Field this Saturday for a nonconference matchup against Southern Connecticut State University. First touch is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Fans can tune into the game on FloSports through the links on aicyellowjackets.com.