FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- The Bridgewater State women's soccer team held off a late surge by host Framingham State to preserve a 2-1 victory in MASCAC action on Saturday morning in Framingham.

With the victory BSU improves to 7-3 and moves to 3-0 in league play while the Rams slip to 5-4-1, (1-1-1 MASCAC).

The Bears opened up scoring in the eighth minute when senior Allison LeBel (Millis, Mass.) sent a free kick over the leaping goalkeeper to take the early lead. The goal marked LeBel's first of the season.

Bridgewater scored again in what would prove to be the game winner in the 22nd minute when Courtney Pepin (Uxbridge, Mass.) sent a long strike over the leaping Rams keeper after winning a 50/50 ball about 30 yards out.

The Rams rallied back in the second half when senior Marissa Miele (Hudson, Mass.) headed a long cross from junior Tess Gorman (Swampscott, Mass.) into and open net.

The Rams generated numerous opportunities outshooting their opponents 15-4 in the second frame. Their best chance to tie the score came in the 59th minute when Megan White (Charlton, Mass.) sent a corner kick that was redirected towards the open net by junior Angela Pallotta (Sterling, Mass.) but a BSU defender cleared it out of the box.

Sophomore Lauren DeSousa (Taunton, Mass.) made seven save in the win for the Bears. Senior Sara Sullivan (Quincy, Mass.) made three saves in the first half before being relieved by newcomer Keyonzia Gagne-Lamoureux (East Brookfield, Mass.) in the second stanza for the Rams.

The Rams will host Salve Regina on Wednesday, October 7th scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Bridgewater will travel to Roger Williams on the same day for a 7:00 p.m. start.