Bucci's 3 goals help Salve Regina trip Regis, 7-3

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - Salve Regina University field hockey enjoyed its highest single game goal total of the season with a 7-3 win over visiting Regis College at Gaudet Field.

It was the first non-league meeting between the two schools since the Pride joined the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC). Salve Regina now owns an 18-5 mark all-time with Regis.

The Seahawks jumped out to a 4-0 lead by halftime. Senior forward Samantha Dalton (Falmouth, Mass.) scored in the first four minutes with an assist from junior Kelly Burke (Georgetown, Mass.).

Sophomore midfielder Stephanie Reilly (North Grafton, Mass.) made it 2-0 when freshman Alexandria Rizzo (Hopedale, Mass.) fed her with a pass. Sophomore forward Lisa Bucci (Irvington, N.Y.) followed with the first of her three goals with an assist from Burke. Bucci made it 4-0 before intermission with an assist from senior defender Michelle Massey (Mendon, Mass.).

With winds whipping enough to knock down the goal on the east end of the field several times, the Seahawks knew they were going to see the Pride offense attacking frequently in the second half.

Burke and Bucci scored second-half goals before Regis got itself on the board. Trailing 6-0, freshman forward Sashae Walls (Everett, Mass.) scored an unassisted goal shortly after Stacy Burns (Waltham, Mass.) started a penalty corner.

Burns got the Pride's second goal with an assist from freshman Genesiz Gudiel (Lawrence, Mass.). After Alexa Bracco (Hauppauge, N.Y.) scored Salve Regina's season-high seventh goal, assisted by freshman Erin Massey (Mendon, Mass.), Gudiel cut into the lead with a goal in the final minute.

Regis (1-9) outshot Salve Regina in the second half, 14-3, and forced eight more penalty corners. The Seahawks (4-6) head on the road for two contests before hosting Western New England on Saturday, October 15 (1 p.m.) at the Lawrence Avenue field.