WALTHAM, Mass. – Freshman forward Hannah Friend (North Easton) staked Saint Anselm College to a lead in the ninth minute with her sixth goal of the season and the visiting Hawks, ranked seventh nationally in Division II, went on to top Bentley University, 3-0, in Northeast-10 Conference field hockey action Wednesday evening.

Saint Anselm, with its ninth win in its last ten games, improved to 9-2 overall and 4-1 in the NE-10. Bentley, which had won four of its previous five, fell to 6-6 overall, including 4-2 in conference play.

The Hawks broke the game open by scoring twice in the opening five minutes of the second half. Both were credited to Mia Vecchione (Chelmsford), the first two goals of the season for the junior midfielder.

Bentley senior goalie Evelyn Schaedel (Burlington, Vt./Burlington HS) had a busy night for the Falcons as she recorded a career-best 14 goals, the highest total by a Falcon since 2010.

Saint Anselm controlled play all night, outshooting the home team 22-2 and attempting all 11 of the game's penalty corners. Senior Katherine Sears (Northboro) made one save before being relieved in the 65th minute.

Bentley will face another nationally ranked team on Saturday when it plays an 11 am game at Stonehill College.