HOUGHTON, NY – Backed by three second half goals, the University of Rochester field hockey team earned its fourth win of the season on Saturday afternoon, defeating Houghton University 4-1 at Burke Field.
 
Rochester saw Nikki Mercer score twice, with Mara Heppard and Bella Militi each adding one goal. Karina Bridger had a hand in all four goals, picking up three assists, while Helen Schmitter earned the win in goal. The Yellowjackets move to 4-1 on the year, with Houghton falling to 2-2.
 
The host Highlanders got off to a quick start, scoring on their first shot of the game at the two minute mark of the opening quarter. Jace Hunzinger took the ball from midfield and made a long run up the right side, reaching the endline before centering a pass to Bekah Davie for the tap-in just inside the left post.
 
It was all Rochester the rest of the game, with the Yellowjacket defense holding the Highlanders to just three penalty corners and no additional shots over the final 58 minutes.
 
The Yellowjackets scored the equalizer in the ninth minute off a PC blast from Bridger that was tipped in by Mercer in front.
 
Over the entirety of the second quarter, both offenses were stagnant, with just two shots and three corners combined by both squads. At the break, the teams were tied 1-1.
 
Four minutes into the second half, Mercer put the Yellowjackets on top with a backhand tap in, scoring her team leading sixth of the season. Bridger again was key in the play, maintaining possession deep in the left corner before sending a bounding ball into the scoring area where Mercer was waiting for the goal.
 
Early in the fourth quarter, UR's Militi looked to make it 3-1, but a terrific defensive save by Houghton's Sara Carter at the right post prevented a goal.
 
A few minutes later, Heppard scored her first of the season off another penalty corner opportunity. Heppard, the inserter, passed the ball into Bridger at the edge of the circle, received the ball back and was wide open near the left post for a sweep shot into the cage.
 
In the 53rd minute, the Yellowjackets completed the scoring on a transition goal. Bridger again started the play with a strong run up the midfield, sending a pass along the left wing. Militi gathered the ball and sent it towards goal where teammate Zoe Conomikes tapped in the ball just before Militi's attempt crossed over the goal line.
 
UR's looks to extend its two-game winning streak on Tuesday in a road contest at Hamilton College.