BIDDEFORD, Maine – The Endicott field hockey team traveled to Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) opponent the University of New England on Tuesday evening. Despite goals by freshman Olivia Larson (Cheshire, Conn.) and senior Mackenzie Hurst (Gilford, N.H.) a second half surge by the Nor'easters boosted them to a 3-2 victory. Endicott falls to 13-3 (7-2 CCC) while UNE improves to 11-5 (9-1 CCC).
Endicott will see action next on Saturday, October 25th as they travel to CCC opponent Salve Regina for a 1:00 p.m. matchup. The Nor'easters will take the field next on Friday, October 24th as they host non-conference opponent Southern Maine at 4:00 p.m.
The first half was a battle as UNE just outshot the Gulls 7-5 while each side both earned three offensive corners in the half.
The Blue and Green got on the board first in the opening minutes as Larson blasted the ball to cage that sophomore goalkeeper Holly Smith (Peabody, Mass.) was able to stop. However Larson would not give up as she controlled the rebound off her initial shot and sent the ball into the back of the net for the one goal advantage.
Six minutes later the Nor'easters made it a tie game as senior Beth Sullivan (Cumberland, R.I.) took a hard shot from the top of the circle off a corner insert by senior Hannah Cutting (Sebago, Maine) that slipped past the Gulls defense for the tally.
Both sides continued to battle in their offensive zones and in the 18th minute UNE took the lead after freshman Vonde Saunders (Center Conway, N.H.) made a short tip off a feed from senior Hannah Warren (Harrison, Maine) to make it a 2-1 score.
Endicott continued their pressure for the remainder of the half but just could not capitalize as they headed into halftime down by one.
The Blue and Green game out in the second half ready to take control, however UNE was able to control the tempo for most of the half as they outshot Endicott 15-5. In the first four minutes of play Endicott tied the game back up after senior Emily Sawchuck (Cumberland, Maine) sent a perfect ball across cage where Hurst was able to collect for the one time sweep into the back of the net.
The Nor'easters were eager to break the tie as they peppered the Endicott defense forcing sophomore goalkeeper, Checka Ventura (Lawrence, Mass.) to make some incredible saves. Assisting Ventura in the backfield was in the hands of senior, Alyssa Clark (Gorham, Maine) who picked up a key defensive save in the half.
At the 47 minute mark the Nor'easters broke the tie after Saunders controlled a rebound off of Ventura and quickly sent the ball back towards the goal that was able to cross the line. With UNE in the lead the Blue and Green worked to create offensive opportunities with large efforts by Sawchuck and freshman Maggie Mayo (Sandwich, Mass.) but just could not capitalize.
As the clock dwindled down the Nor'easters held a high pressure to keep the ball in the offensive end to help secure the 3-2 victory. Endicott has now dropped just their third game of the season and is now sitting in second place in the conference.
Ventura ended the night with an impressive 13 saves, despite the loss while her counterpart, Smith made three.
