Box Score

BANGOR, Maine -- The University of New England scored twice in each half to build a four-goal cushion after 48 minutes, on the way to a 4-1 victory over Husson University in the season-opener for both field hockey teams Wednesday evening (Sep. 2) at Winkin Complex.

Big Blue (1-0) has taken five of the last six meetings with the Eagles (0-1), improving to 6-3 all-time.

After Husson forced UNE goalkeeper Holly Smith into making four saves during the initial moments of the contest, it was the Nor'easters who broke through first, as Vonde Saunders put in an 8th-minute marker.

That margin held until the 31st minute, when Olivia Madore stepped up and slid a penalty stroke into the lower left corner.

Just less than three minutes into the 2nd frame, Nicole Matarozzo got on the board to make it 3-0. Exactly 10 minutes later (48th minute) Matarozzo scored again, this time off a feed from Alyssa Kowal, and the visitors' lead increased despite being out-shot to that point, 16-11.

The Eagles prevented the shutout in the 62nd minute on a goal by Taylor Lovely.

Smith finished off the win with 13 saves, the third-highest total of her career.

Husson, which received six stops from Kaitlin Dolloff, ended on top of a 27-13 edge in shots and 14-3 advantage in penalty corners.

UNE returns to Biddeford to begin its home slate on Saturday (1 p.m.) against Keene State College.