St. Mary's City, Md. – Junior forward Lauriann Parker (Woodbine, Md./Glenelg) delivered the game-winning goal, converting on a penalty stroke to give the St. Mary's College of Maryland field hockey team (4-5, 2-1 CAC) the 2-1 victory over Stevenson University (3-8, 1-2 CAC) in Capital Athletic Conference action to start off Hawktoberfest at Family Weekend activities.

In an evenly played game, each team took turns in dominating possession and placing pressure on the opposing defense.

Junior defender Ali McIntosh (Stevensville, Md./Kent Island) converted the Seahawks' first goal off a penalty corner, getting a pass off the stick of senior midfielder Sam Locke (Bethesda, Md./Bethesda-Chevy Chase) and placing the ball in the back of the goal for an early 1-0 advantage at 16:08.

The Seahawks would remain in control until around the 20th minute when momentum shifted to the Stevenson sideline.  The Mustangs had several close opportunities, however, came away empty.  St. Mary's would survive the Mustang onslaught and take the 1-0 lead into the half.

The second stanza started much like the first ended with Stevenson dominating possession, and just four minutes into the second half, the Mustangs scored the equalizer as first-year midfielder Ariella Hopp (Jarretsville, Md./Institute of Notre Dame) controlled the ball from classmate Erin Fisher (Pasadena, Md./Northeast) and found an opening for their first goal of the afternoon.

Stevenson would continue to push ahead, attempting to score the go-ahead goal, while earning several penalty corners.  However, the Seahawk defense remained united, pushing back every opportunity Stevenson attempted and eventually turning the tide mid-way through the second half.

St. Mary's seized control of the game, applying the pressure right back on the Stevenson defense.  In the 64th minute, Stevenson, in an attempt to clear the ball by any means necessary, swatted at the ball and created a penalty stroke opportunity for the Seahawks.  Parker did not squander the chance, putting St. Mary's ahead for good with just over six minutes remaining.

The Seahawks and Stevenson each took 10 shots on goal while St. Mary's had a 10-7 advantage in corners.

Sophomore goalkeeper Ana Wash (Yorktown, Va./York) made six saves in her first career start for the Seahawks, earning the win in goal.

St. Mary's returns to action tomorrow at 2:00 pm as the Seahawks face off against Bridgewater (Va.) College in non-conference action in Seahawk Stadium.