BIDDEFORD, Maine - The Husson University field hockey team fell to University of New England 7-3 in the season-opener for both squads on Thursday evening at the Big Blue Turf.

Nicole Matarozzo got the host started in the 9th minute, before Hannah Buckley (16th) and Desirae LeBlanc (25th) gave the Nor'easters (1-0) the 3-0 lead through the first 25 minutes of the game. Husson (0-1) managed to get one back with 14 seconds left in the half, as Taylor Shaw collected a rebound from a defensive save and found the back of the cage.

It took UNE a little less than 12 minutes of the 2nd period to push the spread to 6-1 with goals by Alex Staples, Becky Zakorchemnyand Marge Gardiner.

Lauren Russell converted a rebound off her own shot in the 59th minute for the Eagles, but Vonde Saunders restored the five-goal cushion for the Nor'easters in the 63rd minute.

Like the end of the opening stanza, Husson closed with a tally in the waning seconds, as Russell picked up an assist on a redirected goal by Kerianne Downing.

For the UNE attack, Matarozzo, Gardiner,Kersey Boulay, and Olivia Madore registered assists in the game.

Holly Smith turned in seven saves defending Big Blue's end, while Kaitlin Dolloff made 14 stops on the other side for the Eagles.

Both teams resume action on Saturday when the Nor'easters head to Keene State College for a 1:30 p.m. game while Husson entertains Gordon College on the new turf of the Winkin Sports Complex beginning at 2 p.m.