BRIDGEWATER, Mass. – Bridgewater State University scored two second half goals to erase an early deficit as the top-seeded Bears downed #4 University of New England, 2-1, in the semifinal round of the 2012 ECAC Division III New England Field Hockey Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Swenson Field.

With the win, Bridgewater (18-3) advances to the tournament championship game as the Bears will host #3 Plymouth State University on Sunday at noon.  The Panthers edge Keene State in the other semifinal contest, 2-1.  UNE ends the season with an overall mark of 11-10.

Senior defender Emily Koehler (Pelham, N.H.) opened the scoring for the visiting Nor'Easters in the 17th minute of play.  Stationed at the far post, Koehler deflected in a long shot by junior forward Hayley LaPointe (Topsham, Maine).  UNE would maintain the 1-0 advantage into the intermission.

Bridgewater tied the game at 1-1 in the 45th minute as senior forward Beth Phillips (Worcester, Mass.) knocked in a loose ball in front of the net

The Bears took a 2-1 lead in the 56th minute as junior forward Carissa Vizakis (Bellingham, Mass.) potted the game-winner off the rebound of a Shelby Farland (Fiskdale, Mass.) shot.

Shots were even in the game at 19 apiece while UNE held a decided 17-9 edge in penalty corners including a 13-3 advantage in the second half.

BSU senior netminder Cassie Johansen (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.) made seven saves to record her eighth win of the season. Johansen was making her first start since September 22nd and first appearance since October 4th.  Sophomore goalkeeper Kaitlyn Warren (Boscawen, N.H) turned aside nine shots for the Nor'Easters.

Notes: Bridgewater is 5-3 all-time versus UNE since the two teams first met in 2004...It will mark the third straight season in which Bridgewater and Plymouth will meet in the ECAC Tounament.  The Panthers defeated the Bears, 4-1, in the tournament semifinals last season, and posted a 2-1 victory over the Bears in the 2010 championship game.