from the desk of Patrick Stewart - WNEU Sports Information

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--Visiting Western Connecticut State University scored twice in the second half to defeat the Western New England women's soccer team in the latter's season opener at Suprenant Field on Thursday.

The Colonials improve to 1-1 on the season after losing at Farmingdale State, 2-0, in another non-conference affair on Tuesday.

After a scoreless first half, Western finally broke through the Golden Bears defense in the 48th minute when Autumn Sorice picked up a loose ball inside the 6-yard box and tapped in her first goal of 2015.

In the 53rd minute, Kelsey Chacho added an insurance goal by taking a right-wing cross from Sorice.

Western New England nearly tied things up in the second half.  In the 62nd minute, sophomore Christina Delude's blast near the 18-yard line was blocked down by Camille Lawson.

Then two minutes later, senior Sarah Marois sent a cross from the left flank into far side of the box where classmate Casey Magee took a touch and lifted a shot that glanced high off the left post near the crossbar.

Western held a commanding 22-6 lead in shots, including 11-0 in the first half.

Jillian Fernandez only had to make two saves for the Colonials as the defensive third stifled the Golden Bears offense.

Briana Kubik made seven saves for Western New England, now 0-1.

The Colonials head back to Farmingdale State for the weekend Ram Classic.  They face RPI on Saturday at 2 pm before taking on Buffalo State College on Sunday at 11:30 am.