BOSTON, Mass. – The visiting Bridgewater State University women's soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to UMass Boston on Tuesday evening at James Cotter Field.
The host Beacons improve to 5-10-2, while the Bears fall to 10-6.
Jessie Tenaglia (Braintree, Mass.) earned her first collegiate shutout thanks to a 15-save performance for the junior goalkeeper. Battling strong wind gusts all evenings, Tenaglia made some key stops late in the second half to help secure the win and the shutout. Twelve of her 15 saves came in the final 45 minutes.
Kerri Alexander (Carver, Mass.) knocked-in her team-leading seventh goal in the 11thminute to open the scoring. Kara Mannion (Berlin, Mass.) assisted on the go-ahead goal as she dropped in a long pass which found Alexander sprinting up the middle of the field. Alexander would then make a great forward touch which allowed her to push the ball past BSU senior netminder Lauren DeSousa (Taunton, Mass.).
Less than two minutes later, the Beacons picked up an insurance goal as Madison Grabowski (Easthampton, Mass.) finished off a Katy Clark (Scituate, Mass.) pass with a one-touch shot to the far post.
The first half was a back-and-forth battle with the Bears earning a slim edge in shots 11-7.
After the break, and with the wind at their backs the Bears tried everything in their power to score their first goal of the evening but were unable to get past Tenaglia.
Bridgewater State closed out the final half with 20-5 advantage in shots and led 7-0 in corner kicks.
BSU senior forward Courtney Pepin (Uxbridge, Mass.) led all players with seven shots, while senior midfielder Nicole Simas (Dartmouth, Mass.) registered five shots. DeSousa made four saves in the setback.
UMass is now 6-1-1 all-time against the Bears.
Both teams are back in action on Saturday afternoon at one with conference games. The Beacons host Little East Conference rival Western Connecticut State University, while the Bears entertain MASCAC foe MCLA. Bridgewater can clinch at least a share of the MASCAC regular season title with a win over the Trailblazers.