WILLIMANTIC, Connecticut - The Eastern Connecticut State University field hockey team scored a pair of goals in the opening quarter and never looked back, en route to a 4-0 non-conference victory on Saturday afternoon against the University of Maine at Farmington.

The Record:

The loss for the Beavers dropped them to 3-6 on the season while Eastern Connecticut moved to 4-5 with the victory.

How it Happened:

Emma Sanson scored a pair of goals in the opening quarter, including one just 81 second into the game to stake the Warriors to an early advantage. Grace Barlage recorded the assist on Sanson's first goal, weaving through the Beaver defense before finding Sanson in front of the net. Sanson received the pass, turned, and fired a shot past Farmington first-year goalkeeper Skylar Wilson (Millinocket, Maine).

Sanson's second goal came in the 14th minute after being awarded a penalty stroke. Sanson stepped to the mark and ripped a shot past the outreached arms of Wilson to double the Warriors lead.

The Beavers began to tip the tables in their favor in the opening minutes of the 2nd quarter. After registering just one shot in the opening 15 minutes of play, Farmington recorded three shots and had a pair of penalty corners but were unable to get on the scoreboard.

Eastern Connecticty extended its advantage in the 41st minute when Sanson set up Audrey Molin who collected the pass, turned, and lifted a shot into the cage for a 3-0 lead.

Farmington made a valiant effort to mount a comeback in the 4th quarter, tallying 13 shots, including nine on frame but remained scoreless. 

Eastern Connecticut added an insurance marker in the 53rd minute. Rebecca Minaya carried the ball along the end line before finding and open Grace Barlage in front of the goal who one-timed a shot past senior goalkeeper Ella Grant (Sturbridge, Mass.) who took over for Wilson at halftime.

Stats of the Game:

Shots: Farmington 18, Eastern Connecticut 12
Shots on Goal: Farmington 13, Eastern Connecticut 8
Penalty Corners: Farmington 10, Eastern Connecticut 5

The Goalkeepers:

Wilson, making her second straight start, recorded one save in the first half. Grant took over at halftime and added three saves.

Eastern Connecticut used three goalkeepers: Hannah Jaloweic made two saves in the first half before giving way to Veronica McKenna, who stopped six shots. Kate Paradise finished the game with three saves.

UP NEXT

The Beavers return to action next Saturday back on the road against Colby Sawyer. Game time Saturday is scheduled for 12:00 p.m.