IMMACULATA, Pa. – The Immaculata field hockey team is set to begin the 2021 Atlantic East Conference Tournament on Saturday as they are on the road against Marywood for a 1:00 P.M. matchup.
 
The Mighty Macs will return to Scranton after dropping their last conference match to the Pacers 5-1 last Wednesday.
 
"Our team is ready for a rematch," said head coach Kate Stopford. "We had some breakdowns and mistakes last week that allowed Marywood to capitalize on scoring opportunities, but we didn't give up that afternoon and plan on bringing everything we've got tomorrow."
 
The Pacers are led offensively by freshman Laruen Youngken who has accrued a team-leading 24 points on nine goals and six assists. Junior Mackenzie Hoats has also recorded nine goals and two assists. Sophomore Rachel Yohn captains the Pacers' defense as starting goalkeeper, with a 1.92 goal allowed average and a 63.9% save percentage on the season.
 
Offensively, Immaculata is led by sophomore Gianna Gatto and freshman Kelsey Corbett who have each recorded four goals on the season. Sophomore Lauren Vandenbraak, meanwhile, has earned seven assists on the season and has also tacked on a goal for Immaculata.
 
In goal, the Macs have been led by freshman Julia Levase. In her freshman season, she has played tremendously in net for the Mighty Macs, recording 132 saves for an overall save percentage of 74.6% and a goals allowed average of 2.97.
 
"We are a young team but our student-athletes are dedicated and see the room for growth within the program," explained Stopford. "We plan to prepare just like any other squad, it's the conference tournament and we are here to compete and to win!"
 
In addition to the Mighty Macs' young core of players, the Macs are lead by senior captains Katie Mulvey and Gabby Greco. Mulvey, a four-year defender, brings an experienced voice into the Mighty Macs' backfield. Greco, meanwhile, is a consistent starter and has recorded two goals on the year while commanding the Macs' midfield.
 
"Heading into this weekend, my message to our team is to play the best they can and remember that no team can ever walk onto the field knowing the outcome," described Stopford. "Wins only come from hard work, so If we are to win, we need to work for it. And If Marywood wants to win then we have to make them work for it. No matter what side of the field we're on, or what the score is, we have to play 100%, 100% of the time."