Box Score Golden Bears rally to upset nationally-ranked Pride
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Sophomore forward Heather Mortell (Webster, MA) scored both goals and junior goalie Jessica Covino (Bristol, CT) made 12 saves as host Western New England College won its first women's soccer game of the season with a 2-1 upset victory over No. 25 Springfield College Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 10) at Suprenant Field.
The Golden Bears (1-3) entered the match with only one goal in their first three matches, but bounced back with its best performance of the young season in handing the visiting Pride (2-1) its first loss.
Springfield, ranked fourth in the New England Division III poll, took a 1-0 lead on a goal by freshman midfielder Jen Jahoda (Lebanon, CT) in the 16th minute. It was her first college goal. Senior defender Kyla Thibeault (Lebanon, CT) gained the assist on the play.
Western New England College tied the contest just 2:37 later when Mortell (who has all three of WNEC's goals this season) fired home a shot from the right side. She netted what proved to be the game-winner from almost the identical spot in the 32nd minute.
Covino helped maintain the lead with seven stops in the opening half.
The Pride applied constant pressure after the break, but the Golden Bears' defenders were able to clear the ball on several occasions.
Covino made a nice save on a shot by Thibeault with five minutes remaining as the two players collided in front of the net. Covino suffered a cut on her forehead, but stayed in the match after a delay of almost 10 minutes. She then stopped another shot by Thibeault at the 2:17 mark.
SC mounted one last attack, but missed a couple of quick, back-to-back shots with 30 seconds left. The Pride had a 25-6 advantage in shots.
