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BIDDEFORD, Maine – The University of New England women's lacrosse team withstood a late push by the University of Southern Maine in an 8-7 victory to begin the season on Tuesday afternoon at Blue Bolt Field.
 
Meagan Donovan scored the first two goals of her career for the Nor'easters in the victory. Sydney Balotin provided a goal and assist in her debut, and Barrie Guertin helped on two goals.
 
The Nor'easters led 7-3 with 7:33 to go in the third quarter after Balotin found Donovan for her second goal in a span of 22 seconds [Watch]. Rachel Shanks scored back-to-back for the Huskies to close the gap to 7-5 heading into the final quarter.
 
Ann Chapman scored to the lower-right side 1:40 into the fourth to extend the UNE lead to 8-5 [Watch]. Free position goals by Kiaya Gatchell narrowed the advantage to 8-7 with 6:10 to play.

Maria Turriza made a stop on free position attempt with 3:14 left to maintain the Nor'easter lead, and, despite a late UNE yellow card, the Nor'easter defense held strong to earn the victory. Ashjan Abdulsalam caused a turnover in the waning moments to secure the victory.
 
The Nor'easters controlled play for most of the game and went up 4-1 at the 10:47 mark of the second quarter after a goal by Balotin. Anna Byers score twice late in the second for USM to make it a 4-3 game at the half. Paige DeVries scored with help from Ella DiTomaso early in the third to give UNE a 5-3 lead. Donovan scored twice from there as the Nor'easters took their largest advantage of the game.
 
Turriza made eight saves in the win, while Cece Racine had five stops for the Huskies in the loss. Kaylee Lucas led UNE with four ground balls and a caused turnover.
 
The Nor'easters return to action on Saturday at Castleton at 1 p.m.