Box Score

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Sophomore Hannah Tavella (Putnam Valley, N.Y.) and senior Michelle Oswald (Jay, Maine) tallied two goals apiece as the University of New England scored the final three goals of the contest to pull out a 4-2 victory over Endicott College in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) field hockey opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon at the Big Blue Turf.

UNE's best start in program history continues with the win, as the Nor'easters now stand at 7-0 (1-0 CCC). The setback moves the Gulls to 1-5 on the year (0-1 CCC).

Trailing 2-1 in the middle portion of the opening half, Tavella netted a shot off a penalty corner play in the 22nd minute to tie things up. Junior Emily Koehler (Pelham, N.H.) sent in the insert for sophomore Casey Clark (Bethleham, N.H.) to stop, and Tavella lofted one up over everyone into the left corner. The match remained even at 2-2 heading into halftime.

Big Blue increased the pressure in the second period, firing off seven shots in the initial 12 minutes of action before Tavella notched what would be the game-winner at the 47:11 mark. A rebound from a hard shot at the top came to the midfielder in front, and she turned to sweep a backhanded shot around Endicott junior goalie Taylor Teixeira (Exeter, N.H.).

Tavella had a penalty stroke try nine minutes later, looking to increase the lead, but Teixeira stepped right to deny the shot attempt from getting past.

Oswald did break through for an insurance goal at the 58:49 mark, converting on a cross from first-year Erin Bibber (Charlton, Mass.). The Nor'easters controlled play to the end, holding their opponents without a shot in the final 19-plus minutes.

For the game, UNE held sizeable advantages in shots (31-9) and penalty corners (23-4). Teixeira did well to keep the score close, finishing with 16 saves.

Early on, the Gulls went in front when junior Hannah Thornberg (Oakland, Maine) poked in a rebound with 5:25 gone. Oswald drove home a pass from UNE sophomore Hayley LaPointe (Topsham, Maine) in the 16th minute to level the contest, only to see Thornberg knock in another rebound 58 seconds later to restore the visitor's cushion.

The Nor'easters, who hit the road for a non-conference match with Colby College on Tuesday (7 p.m.), received four stops from first-year goalie Kaitlyn Warren (Boscawen, N.H.) in triumph.

Endicott is back in action Wednesday, with a visit to Salem State University for a 4 p.m. start.


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