Box Score
Photos

DUDLEY, Mass. -- Andrew Curro scored a team-high four times as five University of New England players tallied two or more goals in the Nor'easters' 18-10 win over Nichols in a mutual Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opener Saturday afternoon (Mar. 25) at Vendetti Field.

UNE improved its overall record to 6-2, while the Bison fell to 5-3.

In support of Curro's four-goal performance, four other UNE players scored twice: Dan Auger, Mitch Mullin, Alex Zadworny, and J.T. Oliver. Auger added four assists to lead all players with six points, while Mullin had a pair of assists.

Nichols was led by MacKenzie Martin's four-goal effort. Jack Zaremski chipped in a pair of goals.

The Nor'easters led from start-to-finish, jumping out to a 3-0 lead midway through the first quarter. UNE was ahead 5-2 after one and 9-3 at intermission. The Nor'easters would score the initial four goals for the third frame to push their cushion to 10 (13-3) and dash any hopes of a second-half Nichols comeback.

Matthew Layton continued his fine work on the draw, winning 7 of 11 face-offs and scooping up six ground balls. Connor Leggett also had a strong day in the center of the field, going 7-for-12 on draws and collecting five ground balls. Chris Harlow had a game-high three caused turnovers.

Goalkeeper David Pearson stopped 11 shots for the Nor'easters, who held significant advantages in shots (57-27) and ground balls (33-25).

Brian McKinley and James Keane combined to make 21 saves for Nichols.

UNE will return to action Wednesday at the Big Blue Turf, hosting CCC foe Endicott College at 4 p.m.