FARMINGTON, Maine – The Husson University field hockey team remained unbeaten in Central Maine Collegiate Field Hockey Conference play Saturday afternoon, earning a 1-0 shutout victory over the University of Maine at Farmington behind an early goal from sophomore Lauren Millett and a strong defensive performance.
The Eagles (5-9, 3-0 CMCFHC) controlled much of the contest, outshooting the Beavers (3-11, 0-4 CMCFHC) 9-2 while holding a 15-3 advantage in penalty corners to secure their third conference victory of the season.
Husson wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, breaking through in the 11th minute following a penalty corner opportunity. After junior Brianna Smith inserted the corner, Millett found the back of the cage at the 10:59 mark off an assist from senior Tessa Capozzoli, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage. The goal marked Millett's fourth of the season and proved to be the game-winner.
The Eagles continued to apply offensive pressure in the second quarter, recording five shots and earning five penalty corners while keeping Maine-Farmington without a shot throughout the period.
Seniors Faith Tillotson and Jazmin Johnson each sent attempts wide of the cage before junior Mary Hamblin forced a save from Beavers goalkeeper Hailey Johnson in the 28th minute.
Husson kept the pressure on in the closing minutes of the half, as Millett and senior Elisa Picariello each put shots on goal, but Johnson turned away both attempts to keep the Beavers within striking distance heading into halftime.
The Eagles maintained control of the contest coming out of the break, holding Maine-Farmington without a shot for the second consecutive quarter. Husson generated five more penalty corners in the third period, including an opportunity in the 44th minute that resulted in a blocked shot from Tillotson.
Maine-Farmington looked to find the equalizer early in the fourth quarter, recording its first shot on goal of the afternoon at the 48:38 mark. However, Husson sophomore goalkeeper Ella Duchette came up with the save on Gabby Vincentsen's attempt to preserve the one-goal advantage.
The Eagles continued to generate opportunities down the stretch, with Tillotson recording another shot early in the final period, while the Husson defense prevented the Beavers from mounting a late comeback.
Millett led the Eagles offensively with two shots, both on goal, and the game's lone goal, while Tillotson finished with a game-high three shot attempts. Johnson added two shots, while Hamblin and Picariello each recorded one shot on goal.
Duchette earned the shutout victory in goal, playing all 60 minutes and recording one save. The Eagles' defensive unit limited Maine-Farmington to just two total shots, including only one on target.
The Eagles close the regular season on Saturday at Thomas College with kickoff set for 1 p.m.
