Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Sophomore Michaela Franey (York, Maine) and junior Taryn Flagg (Livermore Falls, Maine) scored early in the second half to give the University of New England a 2-0 lead, and the Nor'easters held off Salve Regina University late for a 2-1 The Commonwealth Coast Conference field hockey win Saturday afternoon.

The win was the third straight for the Nor'easters (7-7, 5-3 TCCC), who assured themselves of an opening-round home playoff game when the TCCC Tournament starts up next Saturday.  The Seahawks dropped to 6-11 overall, 3-5 in conference play.

After the teams played a scoreless first half, Franey got UNE on the scoreboard 2:33 into the second frame when she rifled in a shot from the top of the circle.  Senior Kim Anderson (Bowdoin, Maine) received an assist as the trigger person on the penalty corner.

The Nor'easters would receive a much-needed insurance goal less than two minutes later on Flagg's team-leading 15th goal, which was set up by sophomore Cassandra Bushey (North Hartland, Vt.).

Salve Regina cut its deficit in half with just over five minutes to play when first-year Elizabeth Hartmann (Bethel, Conn.) converted from close range after collecting a pass from junior Andrea Michel (Yarmouth, Maine).

UNE controlled play for the majority of the contest, racking up a 21-2 advantage in shots and 20-5 cushion in penalty corners.

Junior Devin Eppley (Darien, Conn.) recorded 12 saves for the Seahawks, who wrap up their regular season at home Wednesday versus UMass Dartmouth (3:00 p.m.).

The Nor'easters head to Bridgewater State College that same afternoon for a 4:00 p.m. game.