Markham’s three goals lift Monks in season opener
PLYMOUTH, N.H. — Sophomore forward Ava Markham produced a three-goal performance and an assist to lead Saint Joseph’s College to a 6-3 non-conference victory over Plymouth State University at Panther Field on Thursday afternoon.
The offensive outburst gave the Monks a 1-0 start to the 2026 campaign and marked the programme’s most productive season opener in goals since a 13-0 result against Wheelock College in 2009. For Markham, the three-goal game was the first hat trick of her NCAA career; she also finished with a career-high seven points.
“The six-goal effort is the Monks' highest-scoring season opener since Saint Joseph's defeated Wheelock College, 13-0, to begin the 2009 campaign.”
How the game unfolded
Markham struck early, converting a feed from junior Katie Yeaton just 3:04 into the match to put Saint Joseph’s ahead. Plymouth State responded quickly when Abigale Bsullak levelled the match at 4:14. The lead changed hands again moments later as first-year forward Dasia Alberico finished off a Markham pass for her first collegiate goal.
The teams traded goals through the remainder of the first half; Alex Zaino scored for Plymouth State late in the second quarter, sending the squads into intermission tied at 2-2. Saint Joseph’s took control in the third quarter when Markham’s second goal — off an assist from Zoey Lailer — and a 49-second follow-up score by first-year midfielder Chloe Masse pushed the Monks ahead 4-2.
Plymouth State narrowed the gap to 4-3 on a Lexi Berrettini tally, but Saint Joseph’s added insurance when sophomore Myia SeeHusen scored on Lailer’s second assist of the afternoon. Markham completed her hat trick with 1:06 remaining, finishing on a feed from SeeHusen to make the final 6-3.
Stats and goaltending
- Shots: Plymouth State 21, Saint Joseph’s 15
- Shots on goal: Plymouth State 16, Saint Joseph’s 12
- Penalty corners: Plymouth State 13, Saint Joseph’s 7
Senior goalkeeper Kimberley McLaughlin recorded the win for Saint Joseph’s with 13 saves. Plymouth State’s Hannah Bub made six stops in net for the Panthers.
| Player | Stat |
|---|---|
| Ava Markham (Saint Joseph's) | 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points (career high) |
| Kimberley McLaughlin (Saint Joseph's) | 13 saves |
| Hannah Bub (Plymouth State) | 6 saves |
What this means for the season
The win improves Saint Joseph’s to 1-0 to open the season. The Monks’ ability to convert on timely possessions — including three first-time collegiate goals by newcomers — provided an offensive boost that offset Plymouth State’s edge in shots and penalty corners. The balance between veteran production and contributions from freshmen could be a theme to watch as the Monks move through their non-conference slate.
For Plymouth State, the statistics underline areas to address despite the loss: the Panthers out-shot Saint Joseph’s and led in shots on goal and penalty corners but struggled to convert enough of those chances into goals. Goaltender Hannah Bub faced a heavy workload and made multiple saves to keep her side competitive.
Thursday’s game showcased both individual finishing — in Markham’s case, a milestone hat trick — and the sorts of momentum swings common in early-season contests. As teams refine lineups and integrate newcomers, outcomes like this one can set a tone but are far from determinative for the months ahead.
Saint Joseph’s next opponents and schedule details were not provided in the game summary.
