The University of Maine is back to its winning ways after a brief trip to the loss column last weekend.

After tripping up Northeastern University 5-2 on Friday, Maine unleashed three first period goals on University of Massachusetts at Lowell Sunday at Alfond Arena, cruising to a 4-0 win over the visiting Riverhawks in front of 5,410 fans.

Maine improves to 9-2-0 on the season, and 4-2-0 in Hockey East play, while the Riverhawks drop to 4-4-2 and 2-3-0 respectively.

“It’s nice to get back on track with these wins after the losses last weekend,” said Maine forward Colin Shields. “Frank Doyle was unbelievable with some great saves and everyone contributed to the win.”

Luciano Aquino continued his hot hand, dishing out two assists in the win, while Doyle made 22 saves for the shutout, his fifth win of the season and second shutout.

“(Aquino) played great today,” said Maine coach Tim Whitehead. “His speed really opened things up and he drew the defenders toward him.”

Maine got off on the right foot in the first period when rookie Brent Shepheard tallied his first collegiate goal at 8:37 to give the Black Bears a 1-0 lead.

Less than two minutes later, defenseman Troy Barnes notched his second of the season on passes from Aquino and Michel Léveillé, and Shields staked the Black Bears to a 3-0 lead with another goal at 14:55, again from Aquino.

“It was great to get out of the gate with early goals today,” said Whitehead. “It was a great team effort to get the momentum early.”

Neither team made good on their 12 combined power play chances.

Prestin Ryan added the final goal at 15:48 of the third period to cap the scoring. In all, Maine allowed just two goals while scoring nine on the weekend, and neither of the two goals were scored with a man advantage.

Maine will play two road games next weekend, first on Friday at Massachusetts and again on Saturday at Providence before getting a week off during Thanksgiving break.

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