Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 4, 2021) – The Golden Bears took the field for the first time in 2021 against Wheaton this evening and defeated the Lyons 2-1.
Records:
- Wheaton: 0-1
- Western New England: 1-0
How It Happened:
The two teams were equally matched off the jump with the Golden Bears only recording four shots in the first quarter to Wheaton's one. About halfway through the second quarter, the Golden Bears found the back of the net with Ali Larochelle sending a shot to the far-right side off a pass into the circle by Maggie Gallagher. The Golden Bears led 1-0 at the half.
Western New England started the third quarter with two penalty corners, but were unable to convert until their third one of the quarter. Sarah Johnston sent the ball to the top of the circle where Ali Martin sent the ball to the right side of the circle to Olivia Eastman who sent a cross back in front of the cage that Johnston redirected past the goalie for her first goal of her career. The Golden Bears led 2-0 after three quarters of play. In the fourth quarter, the Lyons kicked it up a notch and outshot the Golden Bears 5-3. Wheaton was able to sneak a shot into the boards to get within one (2-1). The Golden Bears hung on to win their first game 2-1 over the Lyons.
Inside the Numbers:
- Laura Dion earned the win for the Golden Bears with four saves in 60 minutes.
- Larochelle and Johnston scored the two goals for the Golden Bears while Gallagher, Eastman, and Martin all recorded assists.
- Western New England outshot the Lyons 10-8 in the game while the two teams each earned nine penalty corners apiece.
Up Next:
The Golden Bears hit the road for their next three games. On Wednesday, September 8th, Western New England travels to Wesleyan (Conn.) for a 7:00 p.m. game.
