Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--The Western New England University women's soccer team opened up Commonwealth Coast Conference play with a 1-0 loss to the University of New England Saturday at Suprenant Field. The loss extends the Golden Bears' losing streak to four games, and their record now sits at 3-4-1 overall. The visiting Nor'easters improve to 3-4 overall and 1-0 in the CCC.

The Golden Bears, who fell victim to a last-second goal against UMass Boston earlier in the week, again allowed a late goal, this time to Kristin Dechene of the Nor'easters with 18 minutes remaining. Margaret Palmer found Dechene streaking up the field, and hit her with a pass in stride. Dechene dribbled past two Western New England defenders and placed the ball over goalkeeper Briana Kubik's right shoulder for the only score of the game. The goal was Dechene's fourth of the season, which leads UNE.

The Golden Bears' best scoring opportunity came 7 minutes later when Rachel Suntag sent a curving shot toward the goal, but Nor'easters goalkeeper Gina Iannazzi was able to make a spectacular diving stop. Iannazzi saved all seven shots that came her way in the game to record the shutout.

Overall, the Nor'easters outshot the Golden Bears 14-9, but Western New England had seven shots on goal to UNE's six. The Golden Bears took seven corner kicks, compared with one for the Nor'easters.

Western New England will look to get back on the winning track this Tuesday when it visits Mount Holyoke for a 4 p.m. non-conference game. The University of New England's next action will be on Wednesday at Wellesley.