Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- After 100 minutes of live action remained tied at 1-1, the University of New England converted the only two shootout attempts to seal a Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) field hockey victory (2-1) over Endicott College on Wednesday (Oct. 11) at the Big Blue Turf.

The Nor'easters were successful in their first two turns of the deciding sequence, courtesy of Kersey Boulay and Marge Gardiner, while a blast wide-right and violation put the Gulls in a hole. Big Blue goalie Liz Sargent denied Endicott's third chance, and, following a negated UNE try, the Gulls' fourth-round bid to stay alive went right of the target.

Winners of four in-a-row, the Nor'easters (11-4) now have a split of the season series against Endicott, and take a half game lead atop the league standings at 7-1.

The Gulls, who entered the match just outside of the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III Top 20 Poll (first team also receiving votes) on a six-game unbeaten streak, drop to 11-3 on the year and suffer their first conference setback (6-1 CCC).

Endicott struck first in the 29th minute, when Madi Wood batted a deflected pass out of the air and into the net. Jaylin Grabau assisted on the play, carrying possession into the circle from the right wing.

UNE drew even on the scoreboard at the midway mark of the 2nd period (53rd minute), as Boulay drilled home a penalty corner insert from Olivia Madore. Meanwhile, the Nor'easters tightened up the defense to hold the Gulls without a shot attempt in the frame.

Both goalies were tested during the two overtime sessions to keep things level, as UNE ultimately posted a 21-11 advantage in shots. Endicott netminder Taylor Farrin closed with 10 stops on the day, and benefited from two defensive saves in the 1st half. For the Nor'easters, Sargent registered six saves.

Six of the last 10 meetings between the teams have gone beyond regulation, including earlier in the season, when EC rallied for a 2-1, single-overtime result back on September 19.

UNE welcomes in Western New England University (4-4 CCC) on Saturday for a 1 p.m. start.