BIDDEFORD — Big and blue. Brand spanking new.

If ever there was a way to describe the University of New England’s state of the art athletic facility, that would be it.

And if ever there was a way to christen the Big Blue Turf Field, Wednesday’s 5-4 overtime non-conference field hockey win over Southern Maine would be hard to top.

Bree Tupper capped a three-goal Nor’easter comeback by scoring the game winner at 16:15 of extra time, getting UNE’s season, on its brand new home field, off in fine style.

“You have to play with your heart,” said Tupper, who scored twice in the first 13:30 to give UNE an early 2-0 lead. “You have to give it all you have. Keep scoring.”

Which is what the Nor’easters did, but only after USM rattled off four straight goals and held a 4-2 lead early in the second half.

“We passed and connected,” said senior co-captain Michaela Franey, a former York High standout. “We played our game.”

Played it on the slickest surface the program has ever known, which, according to Franey, is just how the Nor’easters want it.

“It’s unbelievable,” Franey said. “It’s so much faster. It’s a cleaner game. Everything about it is amazing. Everything’s smoother.”

And bluer, too.

The BBTF is just the third expanse of its kind in all of college athletics, and the only one not laid out for football.

Boise State and the University of New Haven have the other two.

And although the blue hue is the first thing one notices upon arrival, the Nor’easters have gotten used to the unusual color, after having practiced on it for two weeks.

“The first day was a little iffy,” said Franey. “There were some who were a little dizzy and foggy. And there are rumors that you can get seasick on it. But it’s fine. You get used to it.”

Said Tupper, “There was a lot of hype about it. But I don’t even think about it now.”

Franey and Michelle Oswald both scored to knot the game at 4-4.

Oswald’s goal came with 11:15 remaining in regulation, and set the stage for Tupper’s dramatic game-winner.

It came after a huge assist by teammate Hayley LaPointe.

“I took it, and sent it across, said Tupper, “and got it through the goalie’s legs. It was a nice feeling.”

— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.