Saylor Kuefler scored a game winning goal in the third quarter on Friday afternoon, as Maine field hockey scored a 3-1 home victory in Orono over Albany in the America East opener for both teams.
The Black Bears never trailed, and opened the scoring off a penalty corner when Taylor Sanford tallied off an assist from Martha Barratt at 6:22 of the first quarter. They doubled their lead into the halftime break on a penalty shot marker from Eloise Penty in the second. The eventual game winner by Kuefler was a thing of beauty just over nine minutes into the third quarter. Kuefler kept possession in front the Great Danes net, and shoveled a backhanded shot over the right shoulder of goaltender Merle Vaandragger and into the back of the cage. Albany (3-5 overall) did break the shutout in the fourth on a goal off a penalty corner from Quinty Reumer, but Maine held on. The visitors had a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners, but the Black Bears did a great job defensively to thwart many chances despite the lone goal against. Annabel Halkes made five saves in net to pick up the victory. The Black Bears (5-5) look to start conference play at 2-0 when they host UNH next Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.
Photo of Saylor Kuefler is from UMaine Athletics
