MONTCLAIR, N.J. - Eastern University field hockey fell in its season opener to No. 10 Montclair State 5-2 on Thursday night. Maya Wales and Gina Miller each tallied goals for the Eagles in the loss. 

The Red Hawks jumped out to an early 1-0 lead netting a goal in the opening ten minutes of the game. They stretched the lead to 2-0 in the 22nd minute scoring off a restart at the top of the arc. 

"Montclair passed the ball with efficiency and speed," said Head Coach Camrin Azzarano. "The ball was moved stick to stick quickly, and the shots on cage were continuous." 

Wales pulled the Eagles to within one at the 27:11 mark of the first half. Miller played a pass to Wales who fired it back post and off a defender to make the score 2-1. Montclair State, however, extended the lead right back to two scoring less than three minutes later to take a 3-1 lead into the locker room. 

"We were scrappy and relentless with our defense and attack," continued Azzarano. "We took advantage of our fast breaks to capitalize on any potential scoring opportunities."

The Red Hawks stretched the lead to three early in the second half, but the Eagles kept attacking. The relentlessness paid off as Miller pulled Eastern within two, 4-2 when she tipped in a pass from Hayley Williams at the 40:57 minute. Montclair State scored seven minutes later to make the score final at 5-2.   

Overall the Red Hawks outshot the Eagles 27-9 placing 21 of on goal. Nicole Berger tallied 11 saves in the game while Williams totaled four defensive saves. 

"We learn from our mistakes by watching film and taking the time in practice to correct our mistakes," concluded Azzarano.  

Eastern will host Stockton University in its home opener on September 3rd at 12 PM.