BIDDEFORD, ME - University of New England improved to 5-3 with a 21-2 triumph over Saint Joseph's (2-8, 0-4 NAC) on Thursday afternoon. Kody Peckham '11 (West Gardiner, ME) and Blake Edwards '11 (Glide, OR) scored the SJC goals and Elliot LaMarre '11 (Raymond, ME) collected seven ground balls in the losing effort.

The victory improves the Nor'easters' record to 5-3 and matches the program's win output of the 2003 and 2006 seasons. The Monks suffered their sixth straight setback to drop to 2-8.

Sophomore attack Luke DiFiore (Gloucester, MA) got the Nor'easters off to a quick start, tallying the first three goals of the game.

UNE would lead 6-0 after one period and 10-1 at the half. The hosts outscored St. Joe's 11-1 after halftime to record their second game this season with more than 20 goals.

Senior Dan Leyden (Northfield, MA) and first-year Michael Pennacchio (Peabody, MA) matched DiFiore with three-goal performances. Senior Bobby Labbe (Lewiston, ME) and junior Steven Beem (Barre, VT) each added a pair of scores. First-year Dylan Thomas (Pleasantville, NY) set-up three goals for the Nor'easters, who led 53-26 in shots.

Goalie Howie Theberge (Brunswick, ME) had 12 saves in his first collegiate start for the Nor'easters. First-year Don Gearan (Gorham, ME) and senior Nick Hannon (Windham, ME) combined to stop 10 shots for St. Joe's.

Each team will return to the field in Saturday road games. The Monks play at Lyndon State College (1:00 p.m.), while the Nor'easters head to Western New England College (1:00 p.m.).

COURTESY OF UNE SPORTS INFORMATION