Statistics
David Bates Photo Gallery
BIDDEFORD, Maine --
Kersey Boulay tallied two of the four goals scored during a 13-minute span in the 2nd half as the University of New England began its Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) slate with a 5-1 field hockey victory over Western New England University on Wednesday evening (Sep. 12) in the first contest played at UNE Blue Bolt Field.
The triumph is the first 2018 for the Nor'easters (1-4, 1-0 CCC), after matches with four teams receiving strong consideration in the national rankings. UNE has now won all 21 meetings versus the Golden Bears (0-4, 0-1 CCC).
Moments after Taylor Klesyk of WNEU knotted the game at 1-1 in the 39th minute, Boulay struck off a penalty corner play from
Marge Gardiner and
Brooke Lemerise to put the Nor'easters back in front.
Reanna Boulay eluded a defender and hit home an insurance goal in the 48th minute
[Watch], before Gardiner set-up Kersey once again in the 55th minute to make it 4-1.
Just 30 seconds later,
Kendra MacDonald got into the mix, tapping in a redirected ball off the stick of
Julia Steeves at the left post
[Watch]. Steeves had opened the scoring at the 9:49 mark of the 1st frame, with an assist going to
Bailey Lynch [Watch].
UNE finished with a 24-5 advantage in shots, forcing Golden Bears goalkeeper Dana Dufour into nine saves. Big Blue also established an 11-2 margin in penalty corners.
The Nor'easters will visit Wellesley College on Sunday (12 p.m.).