BIDDEFORD — The University of New England field hockey team continued its hot streak in the postseason with a 5-0 win over visiting UMaine Farmington in the opening round of the NCAA playoffs, Wednesday.

The Nor’easters took an early lead on a goal from Marge Gardiner less than five minutes into the contest, and never relinquished control as they cruised to the opening-round win.

“(UMaine) came out battling — it wasn’t easy to start. The first round is one of those games where everyone has nerves to start so just getting that ball rolling was a good thing for us,” said UNE coach Danielle Collins. “Once we scored that first goal it was easier for us to get into the rhythm of things.”

Becky Zakorchemny would later add to the UNE lead, putting away a goal with 17:30 remaining in the first half.

UNE would continue to roll in the second half, getting a goal just six minutes into the period from Desirae LeBlanc. Bridget Cavanaugh would later put the game out of reach by scoring back-to-back goals in a five-minute span to secure the shutout win.

Nicole Matarozzo also recorded two assists on the evening for the Nor’easters.

UMaine coach Cyndi Pratt was proud of her team’s effort despite the loss.

“I was hoping the score would be a little bit closer. I think we competed hard and we tried hard and it’s just the nature of the sport. They took advantage of the chances they had in our circle and were able to score a couple of goals,” said Pratt. “We had a few chances but couldn’t put it in the net then once the momentum went their way they kept it going.”

Pratt also felt that her team struggled while playing from behind for most of the contest.

“They got that goal early and we were trying to play catch up from there. It is difficult once you get behind in a game. 65 minutes we had to try to play from behind and we couldn’t generate any offense to make it competitive after that.”

Collins was excited to earn a win over a fellow Maine school.

“It’s always fun — it doesn’t happen that often so for people to have that atmosphere was nice for both schools. Getting the stands packed and looking up at that is one of the fun parts of NCAA’s,” said Collins.

Entering Wednesday’s clash, Cavanaugh had scored just three goals during her freshman campaign. However, she felt her team’s energy allowed her to score twice in UNE’s biggest game to date.

“In high school I played a lot of different positions so I’m used to stepping up and taking the midfield position. I just had the opportunity in this game and it came natural,” said Cavanaugh. “The team effort in the second half, we really got fired up and it kind of pumped me up too. Our team is bonded and we’re really close. That translates on the field during the game.”

Cavanaugh was also happy to get her feet wet in the high-pressure tournament.

“I’m excited, it was a little nerve-racking. This first game let me get the feel for things and it gets us pumped up to play and to keep going.”

The Nor’easters will now travel to Medford, Massachusetts to take on No. 3 Tufts on Saturday. 

Although the Nor’easters sit impressively at No. 19, the Jumbos will pose their toughest task to date. UNE has failed to advance to the third round of the NCAA tournament in recent years.

Collins expects a tough challenge against one of the nation’s top programs.

“It’s going to be competitive. Like us, (coach) is going to have them fit and fast and at the top of their game. It’s been a little bit since they’ve been in the NCAA’s so they’re kind of itching to get back to that top level.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.