FIELD HOCKEY NOTEBOOK
 
The Vermont field hockey team returns to action this weekend with a pair of games. Friday the Cats take on New Hampshire on the road in a crucial league matchup and then on Sunday they square off with Stonehill at home.
 
All of Friday's action gets underway from UNH's Memorial Field at 2 p.m. while things get started at noon against the Skyhawks on Sunday from Moulton Winder Field.
 
RELATED LINKS
New Hampshire Game Coverage: Live Stats | AmericaEast.TV
Stonehill Game Coverage: Live Stats | AmericaEast.TV
 
WEEKEND PROMOTIONS
 
Sunday's contest will be Youth Day presented by Healthy Living. As always admissions is free for all fans and there will be giveaways from Healthy Living and activities throughout the game for kids.
 
LAST TIME OUT
 
Vermont dropped a tough 1-0 decision to UMass Lowell last Friday at Moulton Winder Field. It was the first home loss of the season for the Cats and just the second time all year they have been shut out. Sierra Espeland made four saves in the loss. UVM outshout the River Hawks 9-8 and earned seven penalty corners to UML's five, as well, but could not break through. It was the seventh straight game between the two teams decided by one goal.
 
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
 
The Catamounts are 4-1 in true road games this season with the only loss coming in double-overtime to UAlbany. They have outscored opponents 14-5 on the road this season.
 
SCOUTING THE WILDCATS
 
UNH enters Friday's matchup against UVM with a 6-6 record and a 2-2 record in conference games. Last weekend they collected a 5-2 victory over Cal. Tasmin Cookman leads the Wildcats in scoring with 11 goals and 30 points while teammate Nicole Poulakis has nine goals and 23 points. Goalkeeper Jemma Woods has a 6-3 record in 12 starts and a 2.51 goals against average.
 
SCOUTING THE SKYHAWKS
 
In its first season of Division I play, Stonehill enters the weekend with a 2-7 overall record. The Skyhawks take on Rider in Northeast Conference play before making the trip to Burlington Sunday. Last week they dropped a pair of games – 8-0 to Wagner and 2-1 to Colgate. Raegan Hickey leads the Skyhawks in scoring with four goals and nine points while teammate Makayla Strickulis has three goals. Goalkeeper Shannon Conte has a 2-6 record in nine starts with a 4.08 goals against average.
 
SERIES HISTORIES
 
Friday's matchup will be the 45^th all-time against New Hampshire – the second-most against any team in program history. UNH leads the series 36-8 but the UVM has won three of the last six. Sunday will be the first-ever meeting between the Catamounts and Skyhawks.