SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Junior forward Emily VanLare (Farmington, NY) netted the winning goal in the 17th minute as the Western New England College women's soccer team opened its season with a 1-0 victory over Elms College in a first round match of the Springfield Invitational Saturday (Sept. 1) at Brock-Affleck Field.

Freshman back Nicole Poli (Medfield, MA) had the assist for her first collegiate point in her Golden Bears' debut.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jess Covino (Bristol, CT) stopped three shots for her first collegiate victory.

Western New England College finished with a 13-3 shot advantage and had four corner kicks while the Blazers had only one attempt.

Coach Ron Dias' squad will meet Massachusetts College at 5:00 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 2) in the final round of the tournament.

In the second match of the evening, host Springfield defeated Massachusetts College 2-0.

Saturday, September 1
Western New England College 1, Elms 0
Springfield 2, Massachusetts College 0

Sunday, September 2
Western New England College vs. Massachusetts College, 5:00 p.m.
Springfield vs. Elms, 7:30 p.m.