SPRINGFIELD, Mass. â€" Western New England College recorded its first win of the season with an exciting 3-2 victory over Eastern Connecticut State University in an opening round game of the Zenaty Invitational.

The Golden Bears trailed 1-0 before freshman Bridget Bates (Turners Falls, MA) tied the score with a goal on her first collegiate shot with 4:08 gone in the opening half.

WNEC took the lead for good when sophomore Allison Jameson (Brattleboro, VT) scored eight minutes later. Junior Alyssa Katz (Cortlandt Manor, NY) assisted on both goals.

Senior Amanda Graff (Centereach, NY) then drilled home the eventual game-winner 1:35 before halftime. Sophomore Stephanie Gildart (Portland, ME) received the assist.

The Golden Bears allowed a goal early in the second half, but held on for the victory. Junior goalie Jillian Brown (Plymouth, MA) had another strong game with 12 saves.

In the other match-up, host Springfield defeated Endicott 4-1.