Statistics

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- A pair of 1st-period goals and eight saves by Liz Sargent led the University of New England past Western New England University, 3-0, in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) field hockey opener on Wednesday afternoon (Sep. 18) at Golden Bear Stadium.

With the result, the Nor'easters (2-5) end their five-game skid, which included four nationally-ranked opponents and three one-goal contests. UNE has taken all 24 meetings with WNEU (3-2) since the series began in 2007.

Alexa Koenig tapped in the initial score at the right post in the 7th minute, converting a pass through the crease from Julia Steeves. Jillian Lachapelle doubled the cushion less than three minutes later, redirecting a drive by Reanna Boulay near the left post.

The visitors added one more on the final play of the 3rd period as Steeves finished the left post, with an assist going to Lachapelle.

Western New England had four of its seven penalty corners in the last quarter and generated every shot taken during the frame, but could not solve Sargent and the UNE defense. For the Golden Bears, Laura Dion posted four saves in 45 minutes of relief for starter Lexie Hemstock.

The Nor'easters return home to face Nichols College on Saturday (12 p.m.).