Box Score Bangor, ME – The Husson field hockey team lost their first conference game of the season to North Atlantic Conference (NAC) newcomer New England College, as the Pilgrims defeated the host Eagles 4-3 at the Winkin Complex.
A late surge from the Eagles was not enough to overtake the Pilgrims, who earned their 3rd NAC win of the season, and improve to 4-6 on the year. Husson dropped just their second game of 2011, and their first in conference, and fall to a record of 6-2 overall.
The Eagles were led by Mariah Arno (Dover-Foxcroft, ME) who potted a pair, including a penalty shot that deflected off the goalie, and brought the Eagles to within two. Her second goal with just 20 seconds remaining brought Husson to within a goal, but there was not enough time left to complete the comeback.
NEC jumped out to an early lead 7 and a half minutes into the game when Rachel Carnaroli (Bellingham, MA) lifted a shot over the leg of Eagle goalie Kristen Capen (Leeds, ME) off a Kate Roberge (Essex, VT) assist. The Pilgrims maintained a 1-0 lead into halftime, leading Husson in shots (11-9) and corners (6-2) in the period.
Roberge netted one of her own less than a minute into the second half to give NEC a 2-0 edge. Jennifer Adams (Brimfield, MA) converted on a corner to stretch the Pilgrim lead to 3-0 with 12:44 left in the game.
Husson finally started the comeback when Kajsa Blindow (Morgan, VT) stuffed one in from close range to get the Eagles on the board. Emily Kuchta (Norwalk, CT) answered back with just under 5 minutes left to play to put NEC up 4-1.
Arno helped the Husson comeback putting two in the net in the last two minutes to close the gap to 4-3, but time would expire before the Eagles could tie the game. Capen saved 12, despite earning her first loss of the season, and her counterpart Mary Roux (Auburn, MA) made 14 saves to pick up her 3rd win of the season.
The Eagles return to action on Saturday, October 1st at 6:00 pm as part of the Homecoming festivities at Husson University. New England College takes the field again on Saturday when they host Simmons College for a 5:00 pm start.
