Harvard looks to build on its 2-0 start with a pair of games at the Catamount Classic. (Photo: Gil Talbot).

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – After starting the season with two victories at the friendly confines of Jordan Field last week, Harvard field hockey will hit the road to compete in the Catamount Classic this weekend at the University of Vermont. Up first for Harvard on Saturday, Sept. 13 is a matchup against Maine, with the Crimson taking on the host Catamounts on Sunday, Sept. 14. Both games are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. start times.

Note: Live stats will not be available for any game at the Catamount Classic, but a free stream will be provided at the above links.

Ivy League Digital Network
After an incredibly successful inaugural year that saw over 1,000 events streamed live, The Ivy League Digital Network has returned for 2014-15, providing fans with unprecedented coverage of the Ivy League.

Multiple subscription options are available to fans including school-specific and league-wide passes. To learn more about the Ivy League Digital Network or to sign-up today, click here.

Social Stream
Use the all new Social Stream on GoCrimson.com to stay connected with the Crimson on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube this year. The Social Stream brings the conversation from all three platforms into one convenient location, allowing fans of all Harvard Athletics teams to monitor the action in real time.

About Harvard
Harvard got a jump start on the 2014 season, winning both of its games at Jordan Field last weekend. In the season opener against Bryant, sophomore Marissa Balleza netted two goals, including the game-winner in the second half to lift the Crimson to a 3-2 victory. Senior Noel Painter scored Harvard's first goal against the Bulldogs and also assisted on the game winner.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, Harvard put forth an impressive shutout performance against the visiting Holy Cross Crusaders. Freshmen Hannah Wellington notched the first two goals of her career, while Kaitlyn Boudah and Caitlin Rea also found the back of the cage in the Crimson's 4-0 rout. In addition to the lopsided score, Harvard also posted a 24-6 shot advantage, as well as a 10-2 lead in penalty corners.

Ivy League Honor Roll
Senior Noel Painter finished the opening weekend with four points on a goal and two assists in two Crimson victories, earning a spot on the Ivy League Weekly Honor Roll. 

Starting Strong
For the first time since the 2011, Harvard field hockey opened the year with a 2-0 record. In that season, Harvard knocked off Holy Cross and Lafayette. With wins last weekend over Bryant and the Crusaders, Harvard is joined by Brown atop the Ivy League standings as the only two squads with 2-0 records.

Series History: Maine
Harvard and Maine have met five times since 1993, with the Black Bears coming away with victories in each meeting. The series began on Sept. 19, 1993, with Maine edging the Crimson at home, 2-1. In the most recent matchup at the 2010 Catamount Classic, Maine recorded an identical score to top Harvard.    

About The Black Bears
Maine enters the weekend sporting a 1-3 record through the first two weeks of competition. The Black Bears opened 2014 with a 4-0 win at Central Michigan, but then lost three straight games by one goal to No. 24 Michigan State, No. 8 Stanford and UMass. The loss to the then-No. 10 ranked Minutewoman came four minutes into overtime, after the Black Bears' Cassidy Svetek had tied the game at 2-2 with just four minutes left in regulation.

Svetek has seven points on three goals and an assist to pace the Maine offense. Sophomore Danielle Aviani is second on the team with five points (2G, 1A), while Annabelle Hamilton (1G, 2A), Nicole Sevey (2G) and Holly Stewart (2G) each have four points. In net, freshman Emily Corbet and sophomore Emma Cochran have split time thus far. Corbet has made three starts, playing 181 minutes with a .636 save percentage and 3.10 goals-against average. Cochran has made one start and played 105 minutes, giving up just one goal, while making seven saves.

Series History: Vermont
Harvard holds a favorable 12-6 advantage in the all-time series against the Catamounts. The first meeting between the two schools took place in 1974, with Vermont defeating Harvard, 4-0. From 1998-2003, Harvard compiled six straight wins over the Catamounts. In the last four seasons, the teams have split the matchups with the home team coming out ahead each time. Harvard won the 2013 battle at Jordan Field, 4-0, with the three meetings before that all going into overtime.
 
About the Catamounts
Vermont is winless through the first four games of the season, falling to the likes of Providence, Lock Haven, Pacific and Kent State. The Catamounts have played three of those games at their home venue, the Moulton Winder Field, including its most recent defeat, a 4-3 decision in favor of Kent State.

Freshman Taylor Gaines has a team-high five points on two goals and assist, while senior Ashley McDonald has four points on two strikes. Sophomore Emily Snowden has played all but six minutes in the cage for Vermont, making 46 saves, while giving up 14 goals. Her GAA stands at 3.58.

Fresh Faces
Harvard's roster features five freshmen, representing three states (Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire), as well as two Canadian territories (Ontario and British Columbia). Ellie Cookson, Hannah Wellington and Bri Atkins are additions at midfield, Emily Ott can transition between forward and midfield, while Olivia Startup comes aboard as a goalkeeper.

Filling the Stat Sheet
The Crimson returns its top four point scorers from a season ago that accounted for 67 of Harvard's 96 points in 2013. Sophomore Marissa Balleza led all players with 28 points last year, while Elizabeth Jacobson tallied 16, Noel Painter collected 15 and Sarah Finnemore contributed eight.