Field Hockey Overcomes 1-0 Deficit to Defeat West Conn, 2-1

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – The Bridgewater State University field hockey team overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit to defeat Little East Conference foe Western Connecticut State University, 2-1, on Saturday afternoon.

This was Bridgewater's first game at the newly renovated Swenson Field and the first game held under the lights. The Bears improve their overall record to 7-4 with their sixth straight win and 6-1 in the Little East. The Colonials fall to 5-8 on the season and 2-6 in conference play.

Western Connecticut kept Bridgewater off of the scoreboard until the 55th minute of play when senior forward Bethany Bush (Littleton, MA tallied the equalizing goal off an odd man rush. The goal marked her team-leading 11th of the season and also extended her point scoring streak to 10 games.

The Bears were able to take the lead just seven minutes later. Sophomore midfielder Megan Cullinane (Lunenburg, MA) was inside the circle and sent a pass to classmate Shelby Farland (Fiskdale, MA). Farland moved the ball to her backhand and ripped a shot passed Western Connecticut goaltender.

Western Connecticut took an early 1-0 lead when Stephanie Szafran (Killingworth, CT) converted on a penalty corner. The senior forward sent a pass to sophomore defender Deanne Mastrocola (Goshen, CT) who pushed the ball toward the far post. Szafran corralled the loose ball and guided it passed the sprawling Bridgewater netminder.

Bridgewater held a 13-6 advantage in shots, including a 9-1 edge in the second half. The Bears also dominated possession in the second half recording seven penalty corners to the Colonials' none.

Bears' senior goalie Katie Weber (Arlington, MA) turned aside three shots to post her seventh win of the season. Sophomore netminder Heather Stone (Valhalla, NY) made three saves in goal for the Colonials'.

Bridgewater's next match is Monday the 18th of October in another conference game against Westfield State University at home (7:00 PM). The Bears have not lost a home game this season as they are a perfect 5-0 in Bridgewater.  Western Connecticut hopes to bounce back with a Little East match against Worcester State on Wednesday the 20th.