THE BASICS

• Score: Holy Cross 3, Siena 2
• Records: Holy Cross (1-0); Siena (0-1)
• Location: Worcester, Mass. (Hart Turf Field at the Luth Athletic Complex)
• The Lead: Junior forward Maureen Connolly earned five points, including two goals and one assist, as the Crusaders defeated Siena 3-2 to open the 2016 season in Worcester.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Connolly was the first player to find the back of the net in the game, as she was set up by sophomore forward Caroline Bono on a 2-on-1 opportunity in the 22nd minute.
• Connolly found the back of the net once again in the 27th minute of play, as she tapped the ball in off an assist from senior midfielder Audra Kinney who worked the ball in front of the net.
• Freshman midfielder Madeline Alderfer extended the Crusaders' lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute, as she tipped a shot from Connolly to lift it in for the goal.
• The Saints responded in the 40th minute, as Omarshah Fariyah scored off a cross from Aubrie Bleier.
• Bleier would bring Siena within one just two minutes later, as she tapped down a loose ball in front of the Holy Cross net and was able to finish.
• The Saints went for an offensive push, pulling the goalie with 1:15 remaining, but the Crusaders defense held on to secure the 3-2 win.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Freshman goalkeeper Danielle Fucci stopped three shots on net to earn the win for Holy Cross.
• Mary Crumlish took the loss in net for Siena, making 10 saves.
• Connolly led the Crusaders with five points (2g, 1a) and tallied a team-best 10 shots with seven on net.
• Holy Cross outshot Siena 19-10.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Alderfer's goal in the 37th minute was the first of her career.
• Connolly now has 44 points (18g, 8a) for her career.
• Fucci's win in goal was the first of her career.
• This is the 22nd time in program history the Crusaders have started their season with a win.

UP NEXT

• Holy Cross returns to action next Friday, Sep. 2 as it takes on Harvard in Cambridge, Mass. with action beginning at 7:00 p.m.

KEEP CONNECTED

• To stay updated on the Holy Cross field hockey team, follow the Crusaders on Twitter @HCrossFH, on Facebook at Holy Cross Field Hockey, and on Instagram at HolyCrossFieldHockey. You can also subscribe for email alerts for all news and information on the team by clicking here.