Thunderwolves split on opening weekend

Niagara County Community College split a pair of games during season-opening Region III action this past weekend. Sunday's victory over Clinton CC was the program's first since the 2014 season.

"I'm very excited that we were able to experience success so early in the season," head coach Danielle Pierce said after earning her first career win. "My hope is that this can be a springboard to a great year."

Up next, the Thunderwolves (1-1) travel to Western New York Athletic Conference rival Jamestown CC at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

North Country CC 10, Niagara CCC 3

The contest was tied 1-1 before the Saints netted two goals in the final minute of the first half. The visitors would also score six of the first seven second-half goals. Chloe Nott finished with four goals and two assists for the Saints, who boasted a much deeper lineup.

For the host T-Wolves, sophomore Tara Beach opened the scoring with assists credited to freshman Lynn Allard and sophomore Lauren Flinchum. Sophomore Alexa Caputo, a returning All-WNYAC performer, added a goal off a touch pass from freshman Cristina Catalano, while Flinchum rounded out the scoring with an unassisted tally.

Niagara CCC 6, Clinton CC 1

Caputo netted a hat trick for NCCC, which out-shot the visiting Cougars 44-2 and controlled possession for a vast majority of the contest. Catalano added two goals and two assists, while sophomore Emily Benes recorded her first career goal. Freshman Emily Dumond, playing in her first game of the young season, had three assists.