BIDDEFORD, Maine – Saint Joseph's College (0-1) kicked off the 2022 season with a 13-4 loss at University of New England (1-1) on Wednesday afternoon.

The Nor'easters used a five-goal spurt early on to build a lead they would not relinquish as the hosts were led by Sam McGregor, who netted four goals. Ben Gowell, Ryan Hazard, Jordan White, and Kyle Kennedy each added two goals apiece.

Freshman Will Levesque put the Monks (0-1) in front to start the game on a goal at the 12:42 mark of the first quarter, but it would be the only time the visitors would lead all day. Hazard answered for UNE under a minute later to start a five-goal run to put the Nor'easters ahead 5-1 with 14:10 to go in the second quarter. McGregor scored three of his four during the early stretch. Andrew Lawrence had two assists early on.

Saint Joseph's trimmed the deficit to 5-3 with 8:43 to go until the half after back-to-back goals from Nathan Varle and Wyatt LeBlanc. The Nor'easters would take control from there, ending the half on a 4-0 run to pull in front 9-3 at the break. Four different players scored for UNE during the spurt including Watt who had the final goal of the half, his second of the season.

UNE built its lead up to 12-3 with three goals in the third quarter. McGregor scored his fourth goal of the game off an assist by Kennedy during a man-up situation at the 4:48 mark of the period. Each team had a goal in the fourth quarter.

The Nor'easters outshot the Monks 45-29 overall and 27-17 on goal on the day. Jared Duffy was 11-of-17 on face-offs to lead the way.

Matt Deyette made 13 saves to earn the victory in goal for UNE. Ryan Boutiette and Brannon Gilbert each made seven saves in net for Saint Joseph's in a half of play.

Saint Joseph's returns to action on Saturday with a 1:00 PM game at Emerson College.

COURTESY OF UNE SPORTS INFORMATION