SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - In a battle of Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) powers, Western New England College's women's soccer team suffered its first conference loss of the season after dropping a 2-1 decision against Simmons Friday afternoon at Suprenant Field.

The Golden Bears dominated the first half, but trailed 1-0 at half-time after having a goal disallowed because of an offside call. The Sharks scored their first goal 1:16 before intermission and then took a 2-0 lead when sophomore Christina Aldrich converted a penalty kick in the 78th minute.

Western New England College (8-5-3) rallied when sophomore Danielle Matte (Nashua, NH) knocked home her team high 11th goal of the year after a scramble in front of the net in the 86th minute, but Simmons prevented any serious scoring chances in the final four minutes.

Simmons goalie Kathleen Taglieri made six saves, including a key stop with 16:16 remaining in the contest.

The Sharks improved their record to 12-1-1 and moved into first place in the GNAC with a 7-0 mark.