BANGOR, Maine – The Husson University field hockey team remained unbeaten in Central Maine Collegiate Field Hockey play on Saturday afternoon, using a pair of second-quarter goals and a strong defensive effort to earn a 2-0 victory over Thomas College at the Winkin Sports Complex on senior day.
The Eagles improved to 4-7 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while the Terriers dropped to 3-11 overall and 1-1 in CMCFHC action.
After a scoreless opening quarter, Husson wasted little time breaking through in the second. Just 1:06 into the period, senior Faith Tillotson found the back of the cage off an assist from sophomore Maddie Morin, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage in the 17th minute.
The goal came after a first quarter that saw Thomas generate seven shots and four penalty corners. Husson sophomore goalkeeper Ella Duchette helped keep the Terriers off the scoreboard, turning away three shots in the opening 15 minutes, while Tillotson recorded both of the Eagles' first-quarter shots.
Husson continued to pressure the Thomas defense throughout the second quarter, eventually doubling its lead just before halftime. Following a penalty corner taken by junior Brianna Smith in the 30th minute, junior Mary Hamblin put a shot on goal that was stopped by Thomas goalkeeper Mackenzie Toner. Sophomore Lauren Millett capitalized on the opportunity, scoring off an assist from Hamblin with just 21 seconds remaining in the half to send the Eagles into the break holding a 2-0 advantage.
The Eagles finished the opening half with a 7-8 disadvantage in shots but made the most of their opportunities, putting six shots on goal and converting twice.
Thomas attempted to work its way back into the contest in the third quarter, recording four shots and two penalty corners. However, Duchette turned aside a pair of shots, while Husson's defensive unit kept the Terriers from cutting into the deficit.
The Eagles also created opportunities of their own in the third, including a shot on goal from freshman Grace Allen following a penalty corner early in the period, but neither team was able to find the back of the cage.
Thomas made one final push in the fourth quarter, generating five shots and three penalty corners. Duchette continued her strong afternoon between the pipes, making three saves in the final 15 minutes.
One of the Eagles' biggest defensive plays came in the 52nd minute when Thomas' Avery Labua fired a pair of shots in quick succession. Duchette stopped the first attempt before senior Jazmin Johnson came up with a crucial defensive save on the second, preserving Husson's two-goal advantage.
The Eagles controlled stretches of the final quarter, earning six penalty corners and generating late scoring opportunities from sophomore Addie Twitchell and Tillotson before closing out the conference victory.
Duchette finished with nine saves to earn the shutout, while Johnson added a defensive save. Tillotson led the Husson offense with four shots, including three on goal, and scored the game-winning goal. Millett added the Eagles' second tally, while Morin and Hamblin each recorded an assist.
Toner made six saves in the loss for Thomas, while Samantha Thebarge paced the Terriers with six shots, including four on goal.
Thomas held a 17-12 advantage in total shots and an 11-10 edge in penalty corners, but Husson's defensive effort and timely second-quarter scoring proved to be the difference.
Prior to the start of the contest, Husson honored its senior class of Elisa Picariello, Johnson, Tessa Capozzoli and Tillotson.
The Eagles return to action on Tuesday when they host Worcester Polytechnic Institute at 4 p.m.
