Statistics

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- Vonde Saunders matched a personal-best with three goals to power the University of New England to a 7-2 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) field hockey victory over Roger Williams University on Saturday afternoon (Sep. 16) at the Big Blue Turf.

The Nor'easters (4-1, 2-0 CCC) -- receiving votes in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III Top 20 Poll -- have now defeated the Hawks (3-2, 1-1 CCC) in each of the 10 meetings between the squads.

Saunders' first marker of the day tied things up (1-1) in the 9th minute, just 60 seconds after RWU got on the board [Watch]. With those two points, her career total increased to 127 points and replaced Nicole Matarozzo '17 in first place on UNE's all-time list. In Big Blue's last outing, Saunders established the program's new standard for goals scored.

The hosts assumed a 3-1 advantage at the half with two more goals that were both setup by Kendra MacDonald. First, it was Hannah Buckley that scored in the 24th minute [Watch], and then Brenna Sicard in the 31st [Watch].

Saunders completed her offensive output in just 3:11 of play in the 2nd period, converting feeds from Brooke Lemerise and Olivia Madore [Watch 2 / Watch 3]. After Roger Williams made it 5-2 in the 44th minute, Lemerise cashed in on a pass from Becky Zakorchemny only 41 seconds later [Watch], and Kersey Boulay eventually capped the scoring in the final minute of action [Watch].

For the Hawks, Sydney McCarthy and Emma Stevens found the back of the cage. Both tallies were generated by Jenna Clavette.

Liz Sargent and Jennifer Choate each made a save in goal for UNE, which held sizable cushions in shots (27-9) and penalty corners (12-4). On the opposite end, Mya Lunn totaled 14 stops.

The Nor'easters get right back to work on Sunday (1 p.m.), as Wellesley College comes to town for a non-league match.