Upper Montclair, NJ (9/3/03) - The Montclair State University field hockey team opened its 2003 campaign with a 3-1 victory tonight over Eastern (PA) University at Sprague Field, in the season opener for both teams. 

It marks the third straight year that the Red Hawks have defeated the Eagles and the second straight season that MSU opened the fall with a win under second-year head coach Beth Gottung. 

Senior midfielder Megan Ulicny put Montclair (1-0) ahead just 5:24 into the game off a penalty corner, with assists going to senior Jen Carbonaro and junior LISA SMICKLO. Smicklo increased MSU's advantage to 2-0 by converting the rebound of a Ulicny shot just 57 seconds into the second half, while sophomore forward Jaimie Lukacs made it 3-0 for the Red Hawks just under seven minutes later by one-timing home a pass from the left side by senior SARAH LEVINE. 

Freshman forward Lauren Latsha spoiled MSU's shutout bid on her goal with just under seven minutes remaining in regulation, with the assist going to senior midfielder Amber Shellenberger.
 

Senior goalkeeper TRISHA WINKLE posted seven saves for the Red Hawks before giving way to sophomore ROBYN APICELLI, who finished with three saves in 5:32 of action. Sophomore netminder Joelyn Moyer went the distance for the Eagles, making 10 saves in all. MSU outshot Eastern, 18-14, but was out cornered 13-9. 

The Red Hawks return to action on Saturday, Sept. 6, when they host Washington (MD) College at Sprague Field.