ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey team got its 2013 season off to a good start on Friday afternoon with an 8-0 win over Bryant in Providence, R.I.

“There were a lot of positives,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We still have things to work on, but it was a good way to start the season.”

Forward Liza Morgan began the scoring early and often for the Great Danes. The sophomore tallied three goals in the win, notching her first in the ninth minute on a cross from Daphne Voormolen. Morgan found the back of the cage again midway through the first half unassisted, and again on a pass from Celia D’Agostino late in the second half.

Six different UAlbany players scored in the win over the Bulldogs, and two freshmen recorded their first career points. Corrine McConville converted on a penalty stroke in the 13th minute for a 2-0 lead, and fellow senior co-captain Daphne Voormolen scored on a breakaway from freshman Molly Mariano in the second half. In addition to her assist, Mariano scored on a wide open net for the final tally of the first half.
Newcomer Paula Heuser also recorded three points in her first collegiate start. The freshman midfielder scored on a penalty corner from McConville in the 58th minute, and assisted on a penalty corner goal by sophomore Fiori Van Rijswijk to begin the second half.

The Great Danes posted a dominant 27-1 shot advantage and 14-2 edge in penalty corners.
Freshman Maxi Primus got the starting nod in goal, recording her first career win and shutout.
UAlbany continues its season against Providence on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The Friars downed No. 11 Northwestern on Friday afternoon 2-1 in overtime.