SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Senior Emily Dawson got her season off to a great start with two goals and an assist to lead the Union College field hockey team to a dominating 5-0 victory over Castleton University in Thursday's season-opener at Frank Bailey Field at Bertagna-Class of 1985 Stadium.
 
Dawson had a big afternoon for Union (1-0), playing a role in three of the team's first four goals as the home team got off to a strong start. Juniors Grace Krebs and Sophie Ruhl and first-year Alyssa Pavano all scored as well for Union, while first-year Megan Dorsey added a game-high two assists.
 
Union started the season very strongly on Thursday, scoring twice in the first three minutes and outshooting Castleton 10-1 as part of a three-goal first quarter. Dawson opened the scoring 94 seconds in with a highlight-reel tally, batting home a deflected pass from Dorsey at eye level. Dorsey added another assist 74 seconds later, when her feed from the near sideline found Ruhl in front for a put away. Krebs chipped in with 4:57 left, scoring off a feed from Dawson to make the score 3-0 after 15 minutes.
 
The Union offense calmed down after the opening burst, but still outshot the Spartans by an 8-5 margin over the final 45 minutes. Dawson notched her second of the game 1:20 before halftime when a Krebs feed sprung her for a one-on-one with Castleton goalie Zoe Martin. After a scoreless third frame, Pavano closed the scoring with her first collegiate tally from senior Jill Bove 8:21 into the fourth frame.
 
Union finished the game with an 18-6 edge in shots, with first-year Sophie Brady getting the start and making two saves to earn her first collegiate victory.
 
Union will return to action on Saturday when the team welcomes Montclair State University to Schenectady for a 1 p.m. matchup.