Box Score

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- The University of New England received a pair of goals from five different players to open the 2014 season with a 16-8 victory over Wellesley College in a non-conference women's lacrosse match Saturday afternoon (March 1).

Senior Hannah Tavella, juniors Hannah Warren, Nikki Smith and Rachel Schwaner, and first-year Katie Cawley scored two goals apiece for the Nor'easters, who surrendered the first goal of the afternoon but followed with five consecutive tallies over the opening 10 minutes to take control early. Junior Gina Newsome added a goal and two assists for a three-point day.

For Wellesley, Meghan Peterson was the lone repeat-scorer with a pair of markers. The Blue out-shot UNE, 21-18, but were hurt by 21 turnovers.

After Nikki Sharkin gave the hosts an early 1-0 advantage, Smith scored twice to help fuel the Nor'easters' five-goal spurt. UNE would go on to lead 9-4 at intermission.

Four straight goals by the Nor'easters to start the second half helped put the game out of reach. Wellesley was unable to get any closer than six (13-7) the rest of the way.

Sophomore Courtney Kendall had a strong game in goal for UNE, totaling 15 saves. Tori Hysko had nine stops for the Blue.

The Nor'easters have little time to rest after the season-opener. They head to Bangor tomorrow to take on Husson University at 2 p.m.