Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--Despite a career-high five points off the stick of junior Jessica Scannapieco, the Western New England University field hockey team couldn't maintain a hot start in a 6-3 non-conference loss at the hands of visiting Westfield State at Golden Bear Stadium on Wednesday. The Golden Bears fall to 0-2 with the loss, while the Owls were playing their season opener.

Western New England built some momentum in the early going with two goals after the first 8 minutes and 42 seconds. Freshman Shannon O'Rourke scored her first career goal when she knocked home a tip by Scannapieco near the left post, and then Scannapieco made it 2-0 on a feed from senior tri-captain Jaynie Mueller.

But Emily Williams cut the deficit in half with a penalty shot goal over the right shoulder of WNE freshman goalie Emily Arnold at the 15:14 mark. Then 1:33 later, WSU tied it 2-all on a goal by Danielle Grenon.

Kelly Kinney gave the Owls their first lead, 3-2, at the 30:35 mark before Scannapieco evened the score on a pass from Sarah Race with under 2 minutes left in the opening half.

After a wild first half that saw the teams combine for six goals on 14 shots on the cage, the Owls took command in the second when Holly Brouillette netted a natural hat-trick. She also had an assist for a seven-point night.

Megan Fountaine came off the bench to begin the second half to earn the win for WSU, making four saves. Westfield State backs were credited with four defensive saves, including three over the final 35 minutes to keep WNE off the scoreboard.

Western New England enjoyed advantages in shots (21-17), shots on goal (15-12) and penalty corners (12-5).