SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 1, 2007) – Host Western New England College and Clark University each posted wins Saturday (Sept. 1) in the first day of competition at the WNEC Classic at WNEC's Suprenant Field.

The Golden Bears defeated city rival Springfield College 2-1, while the Cougars downed Westfield State 4-1.

In the first match, junior forward Brian Dill (Portland, Conn.) scored the first goal in the 38th minute while senior Mike Stewart (Springfield, Mass.) tallied the game-winner in the 53rd minute. Junior Dan Hare (Staatsburg, N.Y.) assisted on both goals. Senior goalkeeper Steve Hennessey (Essex Junction, Vt.) made four saves for the Golden Bears.

Trailing 2-0, the Pride finally got on the board with a goal from senior Tony Distasio (Burlington, Conn. in the 65th minute, with an assist from junior back Dan Cotter (Stoughton, Mass.).

Springfield out-shot WNEC by an 8-6 margin, with senior goalkeeper B.J. Sturdivant (Bear, Del.) stopping two shots.

In the second match, senior forward David Blum (Irvington, N.Y.) and senior midfielder Marc Labbe (Waterville, Me.) each tallied twice for Clark. Blum gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute before Westfield tied the contest on a goal by Nick Glumlaw (Agawam, Mass.) in the 26th minute.

Junior goalkeeper Peter Wise (Providence, R.I.) finished with four saves for Clark, while senior goalkeeper Mark Tiffany (Easthampton, Mass.) compiled seven saves for the Owls.

Sunday (Sept. 2), Springfield meets Westfield State at noon, followed by the Western New England College-Clark match at 2:30 p.m.

published: 09/01/2007