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ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- In a very tightly-contested and defensive battle, No.18 University of Rochester advanced over the University of New England by a 2-0 margin in the first round of the 2022 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 9) at Fauver Stadium.

The Yellowjackets improve to 17-5 on the year and move into the second round for a Saturday showdown with No.7 Babson College. [Interactive Bracket]

With the setback, the Nor'easters (11-10) conclude the 2022 campaign just four days after recapturing the Commonwealth Coast Conference title for the first time since 2017.

Rochester broke through on the only shot for either side during the 1st quarter (initial 27 minutes, in fact), when a penalty corner play setup Nikki Mercer in front for a backhand goal 11:03 into the match. Karina Bridger got the assist, passing down from the top of the arc.

UNE had all the chances in the 2nd period, with three corners and two shots. The visitors gave a late push for the equalizer, but Kara Houston calmly saved the only shot that made it past her defenders.

Lindsay Pych denied her only shot for the Nor'easters in the 3rd, as one of two attempts for the hosts, keeping the deficit at one. The outcome was still in the balance with less than five minutes to play in the 4th, but a cross from Zoe Conomikes found Delainey Hebble for a one-time finish with 2:50 remaining provided valuable breathing room for the Yellowjackets.

Total shots were a mere 5-2 in favor of Rochester, while UNE held a 3-2 edge in corners. Out of eight nationally-ranked opponents this season, Wednesday's defensive performance by the Nor'easters yielded the fewest opportunities. From the 10 road teams in the opening round, UNE was the only institution to hold the advancing squad in single digits for shot attempts.