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WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Julia Steeves and Madi Robito scored within the first eight minutes and the defense held strong down the stretch as the University of New England secured a 2-1 field hockey victory over Wellesley College on Tuesday night (Sep. 29) at Butler Stadium.

After falling to the Blue in the 2nd Round of the 2015 NCAA Championship, the Nor'easters (5-4) have won the last three meetings against Wellesley (3-3).

Steeves delivered the first goal just 4:21 into the match, driving home a penalty corner insert by Kate Lindmark. Robito struck 3:07 later, settling a ball in the circle and lifting a backhand over the goalie sliding out to deny it. Bailey Lynch sent the ball into the middle from the right wing.

UNE had a 5-2 edge in corners during the initial 15 minutes, but total shots were 5-5 and Nor'easter goalie Lindsay Pych recorded all three of her saves in the contest to maintain the early cushion.

Wellesley got one back in the 2nd quarter, off the stick of Alex Lenart. However, the stingy UNE defense limited the Blue to just one shot (wide) for the remainder of the game. The Nor'easters wound up ahead 10-8 in shots and 8-3 in corners when all was said and done.

UNE will be back in Biddeford for a Homecoming date with Roger Williams University on Saturday (12 p.m.).

For Wellesley, Kyra Deehr-Lewis made four stops.