Middlebury overcame an early 3-1 deficit en route to a 16-12 victory over Bates in the season-opener for both teams on Friday night in Lewiston, Maine. The third-ranked and seven-time NESCAC champions start their season 1-0 and return home to face Connecticut College next Saturday afternoon.

Trailing 3-1 early, Middlebury scored nine of the next 10 goals to take a 10-4 lead. Bates then ran off the next four goals before Middlebury answered with a pair to hold a 12-10 lead. The teams scored the next six goals in pairs, leaving Middlebury with a 16-12 victory.

Mimi Schatz led the team with four goals and four assists, while Amanda Smith netted three with three helpers. Katherine Entiwsle scored four goals in the win, while Caroline Kirkendoll added a pair. Caroline Thomas led Bates with four goals and two assists.

Blair Bowie made a dozen saves in goal for Middlebury, while Katie Nickerson made 10 stops for Bates.