WESTFIELD, Mass. - Western New England College came up with a strong defensive performance, but Westfield State capitalized on the Golden Bears' only turnover of the game to score a late towndown for a 14-13 victory Friday night in the football opener for both teams.

The loss spoiled the coaching debut of Keith Emery who saw his squad come up just short in the annual President's Trophy contest that was played before a lively crowd of 2,514 fans on a picture perfect evening.

With the game tied at 7-7, Westfield State had a third and five at the WNEC six-yard line when it lost a fumble. Junior safety Alex Barwikowski (Berlin, CT) picked up the loose ball and raced 94 yards down the right sideline for his first collegiate touchdown to give the Golden Bears a 13-7 lead with 6:49 remaining in the game.

Western New England College forced Westfield to punt on the next possession and seemed to have momentum on its side. However, the Golden Bears fumbled on their first play at their own 27 and the Owls had another chance with 4:29 to play. Westfield ran the ball four straight times before senior quarterback Mike Lorenzano hit senior wide receiver Tim Tontonoz with the winning seven-yard touchdown pass with 1:49 left.

Westfield led 7-0 at half-time following a two-yard run by senior fullback Mark Puchalski with 3:24 remaining in the second quarter.

The Golden Bears tied the contest when junior running back Justin White (Essex Junction, VT) scored from a yard out for his first collegiate touchown at the 9:37 mark of the third period following a nifty 24-yard interception return by  junior cornerback Dan Ballentine (Staten Island, NY).

Western New England College managed only 162 yards, including 65 on the ground in the defensive struggle. Sophomore split end Kevin Miculcy (Greenwich CT) had a fine outing with five catches for 63 yards.

Senior cornerback Jay Rooney (El Segundo, CA) had an interception while junior linebacker Matt Guaragno (Port Chester, NY) had a fumble recovery for the Golden Bears. Barwikowski finished with a team high eight tackles.