BOSTON, Mass. (Oct. 20, 2026) — UMass Boston field hockey (0-14, 0-4 LEC) fell 5-1 to the University of Southern Maine (11-6,4-0 LEC) on Tuesday afternoon in the Beacons' Breast Cancer Awareness Game, played at the Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst. The Beacons showed renewed offensive energy in the second half, breaking through for a goal in the fourth period.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
Southern Maine wasted no time seizing control, scoring twice in a 74-second span to open the game.
The Huskies extended their advantage in the second period with another rapid-fire burst.
Head coach Kellie Stigas made a goalkeeping change at the half, bringing in Elizabeth Crowley (Medfield, Mass.) to start the third period.
UMass Boston's defense stiffened in the third period. First-year midfielder Addie Gardner (Rockport, Mass.) recorded a defensive save at the 34th minute to keep the deficit at four. Crowley held Southern Maine scoreless through the third period despite facing six shots.
The Beacons responded with senior Delaney Williams (Duxbury, Mass.) breaking the shutout at the 54th minute, finishing off an assist from Molly Fote (Houston, Tex.) to put UMass Boston on the board and close the final score at 5-1.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
Jenna Smolinski (East Aurora, N.Y.) started in goal and made two saves on six shots faced in the first half. Crowley took over in the third period and turned in a strong performance, stopping seven of eight shots faced and allowing only the Huskies' penalty stroke. The two goalkeepers combined for nine saves on the afternoon.
UMass Boston was outshot 25-7 overall, but six of the Beacons' seven shots came on goal in the second half — matching the season high in shots on goal set Oct. 17 against Western Connecticut State.
The Beacons also held a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners, earning four of those in the fourth period alone. Williams led UMass Boston with three shots and three shots on goal, while Fote's assist was her third of the season, the most on the team.
UP NEXT:
The Beacons return to LEC action on Saturday, Oct. 24, at Keene State in Keene, N.H., with a 1:00 p.m. start.
To stay up to date on all things UMass Boston Athletics, follow the Beacons on Instagram (@UMassBeacons), and X (UMassBostonAthletics), and read the latest stories and updates here at https://beaconsathletics.com.
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