NORTHAMPTON, Mass. - The University of Maine at Farmington field hockey team opened up their season this evening with a non-conference battle against Smith College at the annual Caryl Newhof Classic hosted by Smith. The Pioneers took down the Beavers 10-0. Friday's game marked the first of Beavers' Head Coach Mary Sinclair's head coaching career.

Smith came out of the gates quickly, applying consistent pressure from the outset. The Pioneers opened up a quick four goal lead in the first 10:30 of the contest. Laura Dreher, Annika Peterson, Abbey O'Meara, and Kaylee Newbanks all tallied goals in the first period for Smith. The Pioneers tallied six penalty corners and nine shots as Beaver first-year goalie Ella Grant (Sturbridge, Mass.) picked up four saves in the opening period.

Callahan Day added a goal in the 2nd quarter for Smith to open up a 5-0 lead heading into halftime. 

One of the Beavers best opportunities to score came at the end of the 2nd period on a counter attack that saw sophomore Morgan Towne (Grafton, N.H.) get behind the Pioneers backline. As her defender caught up, she crossed over to her forehand and ripped a shot that went just wide.

Eva Kinnel and Gwen Tuckett each tacked on goals in the 3rd period, expanding the Pioneers lead to 7-0 going into the 4th period. 

Towne once again had an opportunity to crack the scoreboard, this time in the 4th period as she had a breakaway opportunity off a long, hard pass from Gabby Vincentsen (Bristol, Maine). Towne made a similar move, going backhand to forehand to rip a shot that was saved by Rory Harper.

Elena Korinek, Kaeli Bennett, and Day picked up goals in the 4th to add to the Smith lead. 

The Pioneers held advantages in shots (20-3), shots on goal (16-1), and penalty corners (12-1). Grant made six saves in her collegiate debut for the Beavers.

UP NEXT

The Beavers take on Nichols College tomorrow morning at 11 am in the Caryl Newhof 3rd-place game.