West Long Branch, N.J. -- After falling behind 3-0, the University of Maine field hockey team battled back to make it a one goal deficit but was unable to even the score, falling 3-2 at Monmouth on Friday afternoon.

Brooke Sulinski registered both goals for the Black Bears, scoring in the 39th and 54th minutes, as the Black Bears fall to 4-3 overall and 4-1 in America East play with the loss. Monmouth, selected as the America East favorites in the preseason coaches poll, improved to 7-2 and 5-1 in league play.

A goal by MacKenzie McKillop in the first period and two from Annick van Lange gave the Hawks a 3-0 edge with 31:20 gone in the contest.

Maine began its comeback at 39:13 when Sulinski tallied her first of the afternoon. Tereza Holubcova sent a reverse stick drive into the circle where Sulinski was perfectly positioned to tap the shot into the cage on the right post.

The Black Bears trimmed the deficit to one at 54:03. Maine dribbled the ball down the right side before sending it into the middle of the circle. Chloe Walton would tap a deflection to Sulinski who was again postioned perfectly, this time on the left post, to finish the play.

Maine had its chances to tie the game late with three consecutive penalty corners in the 57th minute but were unable to find the back of the cage, falling 3-2.

The Black Bears return to America East play when they host UAlbany on April 11 at 1 p.m.

-UMaine-