Box Score Boxscore

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- The Western New England University field hockey team took a 1-0 lead in its Commonwealth Coast Conference opener on Saturday afternoon at the Big Blue Turf, but the Golden Bears couldn't withstand a seven-goal explosion by the University of New England in a 7-1 loss to the Nor'easters.

The victory gets the Nor'easters (1-0 in the CCC) over the .500 mark at 3-2 overall, while the Golden Bears drop below .500 at 2-3. UNE is now undefeated in seven meetings all-time between the two squads.

In the 34th minute, senior Caitlin Foster gave the Golden Bears a 1-0 advantage with her team-leading fourth goal of the season. Freshman Tori Cirocco was credited with an assist on the play for her first career collegiate point. 

Casey Clark sparked UNE's comeback with three goals and two assists. Hayley LaPointe tied the contest in the 42nd minute with an assist from Clark and then Clark herself scored three minutes later to put the Nor'easters ahead for good.

Senior goalie Kaitlyn Hall tried to keep Western New England in the game by posting 13 saves, but the Golden Bears' defense was under the stress of 29 shots (compared to eight for WNE).