FITCHBURG, Mass. (October 13, 2026) – Ava Borecki scored her first career goal in the 29th minute, while Sophia Scyocurka added an insurance goal early in the second half in Western New England University's victory over Fitchburg State University, 2-0, on Tuesday evening. The Golden Bears controlled much of the offensive action, outshooting the Falcons 35-4 and placing 26 attempts on goal en route to the shutout victory.

Records:

Western New England: 8-4-0 (4-2-0 CNE)

Fitchburg State University: 1-6-6 (1-2-2 MASCAC)

How It Happened:

First Half

• Western New England established offensive pressure immediately, recording the game's first shot just 43 seconds into the contest. Meghan Hartnett put an attempt on goal that Fitchburg State goalkeeper Mia Herron turned away. The Golden Bears continued attacking, with Liza Pinette having a shot blocked in the third minute before Tess Chevalier, Stephanie McKenna and Sophia Scyocurka each forced saves from Herron during the opening 11 minutes.
• The Golden Bears continued to generate opportunities as the first half progressed. Emma Forde had an attempt blocked in the 16th minute before putting another shot on goal moments later. Pinette followed with a shot that Herron saved in the 20th minute, while Marissa Dipronio and Julia Dufresne also tested the Falcons' goalkeeper as Western New England searched for the opening goal.
• Western New England broke through at 28:33, when Borecki found the back of the net for her first career collegiate goal. Ava dos Santos provided the assist on the play, giving the Golden Bears a 1-0 advantage. Borecki's goal marked her first of the season and ultimately stood as the game-winner.
• The Golden Bears maintained their attacking pressure after taking the lead. Scyocurka recorded two shots on goal in the 29th and 30th minutes, but Herron made both saves. Jillian Sansone added another shot on target in the 36th minute as Western New England continued creating opportunities.
• Fitchburg State attempted to respond before halftime, earning a corner kick in the 40th minute. Molly Jenkins followed with an attempt that went wide right, leaving the Falcons unable to find an equalizer.
• Abigail Alicandro recorded Western New England's final shot on goal of the opening half in the 45th minute, forcing another save from Herron. The Golden Bears entered halftime ahead 1-0 after holding a 19-3 advantage in shots and a 4-1 edge in corner kicks. Herron made 13 first-half saves to keep Fitchburg State within one goal.

Second Half

• Western New England resumed its offensive pressure early in the second half. Hartnett sent an attempt wide right in the 47th minute before Pinette forced another save from Herron just over a minute later. Scyocurka also generated an opportunity in the 48th minute, sending her attempt high.
• Fitchburg State produced its closest opportunity of the afternoon at 48:43, when Delia Fitzgerald struck the post. The attempt kept the Falcons within one goal but did not produce the equalizer.
• The Golden Bears doubled their advantage at 53:20, when Scyocurka scored her ninth goal of the season to give Western New England a 2-0 lead. The unassisted goal provided additional separation as the Golden Bears continued to control the offensive opportunities.
• Western New England remained active in the attacking third following its second goal. Pinette put another shot on target in the 57th minute before Sarah Queeney and Scyocurka forced additional saves from Herron in the 61st and 63rd minutes, respectively.
• The Golden Bears continued generating opportunities as the match entered its final 15 minutes. Chevalier recorded consecutive shots on goal in the 80th and 81st minutes, both of which were saved by Herron. Hartnett also tested the Falcons' goalkeeper during the same stretch, keeping the pressure on Fitchburg State's defense.
• Western New England created several more chances in the closing minutes. Alicandro forced a save in the 83rd minute before Ashley Conger recorded shots on goal in the 86th and 88th minutes. Alicandro added another attempt on target in the 88th minute, while Jenna Chiasson sent the Golden Bears' final shot wide right with 13 seconds remaining.
• The Golden Bears held Fitchburg State without a shot on goal throughout the contest, completing the 2-0 shutout victory. Western New England outshot the Falcons 16-1 in the second half and earned six corner kicks during the final 45 minutes.

Key Statistics:

• Borecki highlighted the afternoon by scoring her first career goal, providing the decisive strike in the opening half. She finished with one goal on one shot, while dos Santos earned the assist on the game-winning tally.
• Scyocurka added her ninth goal of the season and led Western New England with seven shots, including five on goal. Pinette also contributed significantly to the Golden Bears' offensive production, recording five shots with four on target.
• Hartnett finished with five shots, two on goal, while Chevalier recorded three shots, all on target. Alicandro also placed all three of her attempts on goal, contributing to Western New England's sustained offensive pressure.
• Defensively, Ainsley Napolitano and Adara Boucher combined for the shutout in goal. Napolitano played the opening 45:00 before Boucher handled the remaining 45:00. Neither goalkeeper was required to make a save, as the Golden Bears held Fitchburg State without a shot on target.
• Fitchburg State goalkeeper Mia Herron recorded 24 saves despite the loss, including 13 in the first half and 11 in the second.
• Western New England finished with a commanding 35-4 advantage in total shots, including a 26-0 edge in shots on goal. The Golden Bears also earned 10 corner kicks compared to just one for the Falcons.
• Western New England recorded 19 shots in the first half and 16 in the second, while Fitchburg State managed three attempts before halftime and one after the break. The Golden Bears were called for three fouls compared with seven for the Falcons.

Up Next:

Western New England returns home to Suprenant Field on Saturday, October 17, when the Golden Bears host Johnson & Wales University in a Conference of New England matchup at noon.