Henniker, N.H. – Junior All-American Mel Melkonian (Worcester, Mass.) banged home a pair of goals, lifting visiting Clark past host New England College, 2-0, in non-league field hockey action Saturday afternoon.

With the win the Cougars even their overall record at 1-1, while the Pilgrims fall to 0-2 on the season.

Clark open the scoring just 11:41 into the opening half as Melkonian would put in a loose ball assisted by sophomore Christabelle Kozlik (Emigrant, Mont.).

The two teams would battle through the remainder of the opening half scoreless as Clark would control much of the offense, outshooting the Pilgrims, 9-2.

Melkonian would give the Cougars some breathing room in the second half converting on a penalty stroke with just under 15 minutes remaining in regulation. 

NEC's best scoring opportunity would come late in the second half as Jen Adams (Brimfield, Mass.) would fire a shot that would ricochet off the post and out.

The Cougars finished the game with a 21-10 edge in shots on the afternoon.

Picking up the win in goal for Clark was Kate McGrath (Wilmington, Mass.) who finished with seven saves.

Having an impressive day in goal for NEC was Mary Roux (Hillsborough, N.H.) who stopped 17 Cougar shots.

New England College returns to action on Wednesday, September 7 when they host non-conference opponent Wellesley College. Clark will travel to take on UMass-Dartmouth on Thursday, Sept. 8.