WALTHAM, Mass. – Senior All-Conference forward Gina Lirange (Auburn/Auburn HS) had three goals, the first hat trick of her career, and an assist, and junior midfielder Becca Moore (Belmont/Belmont HS) had a five-point afternoon (two goals, one assist) as Bentley University topped American International College, 5-2, in non-conference field hockey action Saturday.

Bentley, ranked 10th in Division II preseason, evened its record at 1-1 with the victory in the home opener. AIC, outshot 25-12 in the contest, fell to 1-2 overall.

Moore gave the Falcons an early lead, shooting from right of the cage in the sixth minute. The advantage was short-lived as AIC sophomore Taylor Ruscillo (Carle Place, N.Y.) came up with the equalizer just 74 seconds later.

Lirange put Bentley back in front in the 18th minute, netting her first of the year from about three yards out.

About ten minutes later, Moore received a lead pass from Lirange and slid the ball past the goalie for a 3-1 lead.

Early in the second half, Lirange tipped in Moore's shot for her second goal of the afternoon and a 4-1 advantage.  She completed her hat trick with 6:56 left, sending the ball into the net from just inside the left end line, off an assist from freshman Taylor Kane (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty HS).

Junior Katie Kelley (Walpole/Walpole HS) had five saves for Bentley and the Falcons also received a defensive save from junior Hanna Lucas (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Hills HS). For AIC, junior Ainslee Penfield (Greenfield) was credited with 13 saves and classmate Emily Kollar (Leighton, Pa.) was credited with two defensive saves.

Bentley is back at home on Wednesday night for a 7 pm non-conference encounter with Stonehill College.