SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – March 11, 2008 -Junior Heather Dobson (Longmeadow, Mass.) scored six goals with an assist, all in the second half, as the visiting Springfield College women’s lacrosse team opened its season with a 17-5 victory over Western New England College Tuesday afternoon.

The Pride improves to 1-0 on the 2008 campaign, while the Golden Bears even their record at 2-2.

Junior Erin Doolan (Blauvelt, N.Y.) added four goals, while graduate student Rachel Lampros (Boxborough, Mass.) contributed three goals and an assist. Sophomore Jennifer Zubkus (Dover, N.H.) chipped-in with two goals and an assist. Senior Lindsay Bugbee (Granby, Mass.) also scored twice and caused five turnovers.

Junior goalie Nicole Flores (Branford, Conn.) turned in a solid performance with 12 saves, including seven in the second half.

Western New England College jumped to an early 2-0 lead after senior Kayte Devine (New Fairfield, Conn.) and freshman Jeanmarie Barbato (Huntington Station, N.Y.) scored in the opening 12 minutes 8 seconds.

Springfield dominated after that, scoring 14 unanswered goals in taking an 8-2 lead at halftime and a 14-2 advantage following Dobson’s fourth goal with 19:56 remaining in the contest.

Barbato finished with two goals and an assist for WNEC, while Devine assisted on Barbato’s first goal. Freshman Marissa Bonitatibus (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) finished with 14 saves.

Springfield returns to action on Thursday, March 13, when it travels to take on Amherst. First draw is set for 5:00 pm.

published: 03/11/2008