BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University field hockey team got its 2024 season underway in style on Saturday afternoon at the John W. Winkin Sports Complex, defeating Russell Sage College by a commanding 12-0 margin.

After attacking the net hard for most of the first quarter, Husson (1-0) finally managed to break the scoreless tie, as sophomores Tessa Capozzoli and Faith Tillotson and junior Maddie Arsenault each found the scoring column in the last three minutes of the opening quarter.

The Eagles further extended their lead in the second quarter courtesy of freshman Madison Willey and junior Ruby Kitchin, who scored within 25 seconds of each other, in addition to posting their first-career goals to make the lead 5-0 for Husson at halftime.

Four goals in the first five-plus minutes of the second half all-but put the game away for the Eagles, as freshman Brianna Smith posted her first collegiate goal less than a minute into the half, while Capozzoli, Tillotson and Arsenault all recorded their second goals of the contest.

After carrying a 9-0 lead into the final period, Husson found the back of the cage three more times to finish off its dominant win, as junior Averi Baker pushed the lead to double-digits, while classmate Maddie Perkins posted two goals in a row to close the scoring.

Sophomore Maria Levesque and freshman Maddie Stevens combined to post a shutout for the Eagles, as Levesque did not face a shot, while Stevens made one save on the lone shot she faced.

Husson outshot Russell Sage (0-1) 47-2 for the game, including 40-1 in shots on goal, in addition to holding an 18-2 edge in penalty corners.

The Eagles are back in action tomorrow at the Winkin Complex, as they will host Saint Joseph's College of Maine at 11 a.m.