Bridget Instrum scored a goal in each half propelling the fifth-ranked Middlebury field hockey team to a 3-1 NESCAC victory Saturday over Colby on Bill Alfond Field. The Panthers (5-1, 3-1) battle ninth-ranked Montclair State in a neutral site match to be played Sunday at the University of Albany at 4:30 p.m., while Colby (4-4, 0-4) hosts Wesleyan next Saturday at 11:00 a.m.

Middlebury took control in the first nine minutes of the game with a pair of goals. Instrum tallied an unassisted score just 2:10 into the game. The second goal started off a penalty corner and ended up with a scrum in front of the net. Jillian Green was credited with the goal off an assist from Shannon Hutteman at 8:50.

In the second half, the Panthers used a quick counter to develop a three-on-one advantage. Anna Kenyon worked down the right side, and pushed a ball across to Instrum for the one-touch score with 28:54 remaining.

The Mules got on the scoreboard when Caroline Ferguson scored on a play that started off a penalty corner with 3:48 remaining. Kellie Walsh had a shot blocked in front. In the scramble, the ball was pushed out to Ferguson on the right side of the goal for the score.

Both teams finished with 20 shots, while the Panthers held a slight 9-8 edge in penalty corners.

Middlebury's Emily Knapp recorded five of her seven saves in the first half. Colby goaltender Sarah Evans was credited with nine stops.