With impressive wins over Bates, Green Mountain College of Vermont and the University of Maine-Presque Isle to open the season, there is reason for optimism from Husson College men’s soccer coach Mitch Ellisen.

Even Ellisen has to admit that the three wins have come as a “big surprise.”

“We beat Bates on the road and Green Mountain is one of the best teams in our region. Green Mountain beat us 3-0 last year and I don’t think we had more than two shots on goal,” said the 34-year-old Ellisen.

The Braves have returned a solid nucleus including two-time Maine Athletic Conference Player of the Year midfielder Adam Heaslewood and they have added some quality freshmen.

Then there are Jason Hill and Mark Fernald, who have returned to play for Husson after being away for two and three years, respectively.

Hill had 34 goals and 21 assists in two seasons, 1991 and ’92, and was a two-time Western Maine Athletic Conference All-Star. Fernald played for the Braves in 1991 and has done a “great job” at sweeper according to Ellisen.

Hill has three goals and an assist already.

Hill’s front line mate Guy Guy Mpeye, who was the goalie last year, has four goals and two assists.

“This team has as much potential as any team I’ve coached,” said Ellisen, who is in his fourth season at Husson. “With Jay Hill back, with Guy Guy up front and with a couple freshmen pushing them, we have a lot of strength up front. We have a nice set of six guys who can start in the midfield and six guys who can start in the back.”

“We’ve been working hard defensively,” said Englishman Heaslewood, who had 17 goals and 14 assists a year ago. “We haven’t given up many quality chances. We have players who can hold onto the ball and that takes a lot of pressure off the midfielders and the defenders.”

Heaslewood is joined in the central midfield by fellow Englishman Kevin Burtin, a freshman. Freshman Joe Melanson and junior Matt Roy start at the outside midfield positions.

“Kevin has given Adam tremendous support. He’s a very good marking midfielder and that allows Adam to move about more,” said Ellisen.

Heaslewood has a goal and four assists and Burtin has two goals.

In the back, you’ll find the Stuber brothers, senior Craig and freshman Brett, along with Fernald, junior Pete Luciano and senior Andy Rhoades.

Freshman Ben Masterson from Carrabec High School in North Anson, who stands 6-foot-4, has allowed only one goal in the nets.

“He’s done everything we’ve asked of him. He’s made the saves he should have made and he has also made a few quality saves,” said Ellisen, whose Braves travel to face North Adams State (Mass.) Saturday.

The University of Maine’s field hockey team will have its fourth annual Maine high school day Sunday as coaches and field hockey players are cordially invited to the 1 p.m. North Atlantic Conference game against powerful Delaware.

“We want them to see a higher level of field hockey. We see it as a valuable educational experience,” said Maine Coach Terry Kix, who also hopes to drum up more support for her program.

“This is also a very good recruiting tool,” added Kix.

Sweeper Margaret Henrick, central midfielder Wendy Dubois and right wing Annie Elkanich have sparked the Bears to a 4-1 start according to Kix.