SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The University of New England women's soccer team scored a pair of goals in the opening half and held off Western New England University after halftime to take a 2-1 victory in a Conference of New England mutual opener Saturday afternoon (Sept. 13) at Suprenant Field.

After each squad put up a goal in the early stages of the first frame, UNE struck just before halftime for what would prove to be the winning margin. Jill Hodgson sent a long cross in from the left side that Marah Walton converted with the Golden Bear goalkeeper off the goal line in an attempt to challenge. Walton's first goal of the season came with just 21 seconds remaining in the half.

Western New England, last years's runner-up in the CNE Tournament, had opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Liza Pinette deposited a low shot into the right side of the goal to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage.

The Nor'easters answered less than two minutes later to knot the match at 1-1. After the Golden Bears were unable to clear a UNE corner kick, Hodgson sent a left-footed service into the box that Lindsey Butler knocked down with her body before driving a shot inside the right post.

Haley Coombs, who had a big stop early in the second half to preserve UNE's advantage, was the winning goalkeeper for the Nor'easters.

UNE (5-1, 1-0 CNE), winners of four consecutive outings, is back in action Tuesday when it hosts Colby College at 7 p.m.