DUDLEY, Massachusetts – First-year forward Owen Spera (Gorham, Maine) delivered a collegiate debut to remember, netting a first-half hat trick in just 21 minutes to lead the University of Maine at Farmington to a season-opening 4-3 victory over Nichols College.

How It Happened

William Pugliese-Savage gave the Bison an early 1-0 lead within the opening ten minutes, finishing a well-placed pass from Carl Hedges-Small with a left-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

Spera quickly responded, scoring the equalizer less than five minutes later. The play began with a counterattack after Nichols had possession deep in Farmington's end. Arden Weaver (Surry, Maine) cleared the ball straight upfield, and it rolled between two Bison defenders. Spera split the pair and broke in alone on goal, calmly slotting a low shot into the left side of the net to tie the game at 1-1.

The offensive fireworks continued just three minutes later. Avery Morse capitalized on a throw-in from Braydon Richardson that slipped past the Beavers' back line. Morse fired a shot off the inside of the right post and into the net to restore the Bison's lead, 2-1.

Once again, Spera had the answer. He headed home his second goal of the match off a long cross from Monte Weaver (Surry, Maine), who notched the first assist of his collegiate career.

In the 36th minute, Spera completed the hat trick. Fellow first-year Fred Coit (Blue Hill, Maine) sent a through ball past the Bison defense, and Spera raced in to finish past Nichols goalkeeper Derek Axon, giving Farmington its first lead of the game, 3-2.

Farmington took that lead into halftime, but Nichols drew level early in the second half. Hedges-Small scored following a throw-in, as Parker Day (Brentwood, N.H.) attempted to punch the ball clear but mishandled it, allowing it to slip through his hands and into the goal.

The Beavers regained the lead in the 55th minute thanks to sophomore Jack Luciano (Gorham, Maine), who converted a short pass from JJ Greenlaw (Farmington, Maine) on a free kick. Luciano's shot deflected off a Bison defender and tucked into the left corner for what would become the game-winner.

Farmington locked in defensively over the final stretch to secure the win—and avenge back-to-back season-opening losses to Nichols.

Stats of the Game:

• Shots: Nichols 20, Farmington 9
• Shots on Goal: Nichols 9, Farmington 7
• Corner Kicks: Nichols 4, Farmington 2

The Goalkeepers:

Hunter Frost (Monmouth, Maine) started in goal for Farmington, making three saves while allowing two first-half goals. Parker Day played the second half, also recording three saves and conceding one. Derek Axon made three saves in the loss for Nichols.

Up Next:

Farmington returns to action on Wednesday afternoon for their home opener against the University of Maine at Fort Kent. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM.