EASTON, Mass. (September 4, 2002) - Stonehill College netted four goals in a 17-minute span in the first half en route to a 4-1 victory over Franklin Pierce as both teams opened Northeast-10 Conference field hockey play at Gorman Field this afternoon.

Junior Caitlin Creen totaled a goal and an assist to lead the Chieftains to their first victory of the young season.

Stonehill senior Melissa Paratore opened the scoring in the 11th minute by converting a feed from sophomore Jackie Parthum. Creen then assisted on a tally by junior Julie Aresco at the 15:33-mark before netting a marker of her own, assisted by sophomore Betsey Reiche in the 21st minute.

Freshman Julie Michalos rounded out the Stonehill scoring at the 28:15-mark with a goal assisted by junior Libby Hanna.

Franklin Pierce got on the board midway through the second half as senior Kelly Henry (Wyoming, R.I./Chariho Regional), assisted by freshman Alissa Silverman (East Sandwich, Mass./Sandwich), at the 48:35-mark.

Stonehill posted a 19-5 shots advantage over the Ravens as senior goalkeeper Cindy Pultz was called on to make just three saves. Franklin Pierce senior goalkeeper Kasey McClements (Ashland, Mass./Ashland) registered 17 stops.

Franklin Pierce (0-1, 0-1 NE-10) travels to Brookville, N.Y., for a non-league match against LIU-C.W. Post on Sunday at noon. Stonehill (1-1, 1-0 NE-10) travels to American International College on Saturday for a match at 1 p.m.