FORT MYERS, Fla. - Western New England College raised the curtain on its 30th season by splitting a doubleheader Saturday (March 15) at the Gene Cusic Collegiate Classic. The Golden Bears dropped a 5-3 decision to Illinois College in the morning contest before rallying for a 4-3 victory over Bowdoiin the afternoon game.

WNEC scored two runs on three straight doubles in the bottom of the seventh against the Polar Bears to earn their first victory of the season.

Junior centerfielder Brenna Fitzgerald (Manchester, NH) was the first to get on base before senior designated player Stephanie Ganser (Fairfield, CT) tied the contest. Junior shortstop Brittany DeGennaro (Orange, CT) then delivered the winning hit. 

Freshman first base player Trish Breault (Millville, MA) had a big game with a single, double, triple, and walk.

Junior pitcher Laura Bower (Hudson, MA) picked-up the win.

Sophomore left fielder Lauren Arsenault (Fitchburg, MA) had two hits in the opener for the Golden Bears while Breauly had a run-scoring single.