CCSU Records Season-Opening Win For First Time, Tops Presbyterian 14-13

Junior Michele Conway scored three goals and added two assists as Central Connecticut State University won its season-opener over Presbyterian College by a score of 14-13 Tuesday evening. The Blue Devils start 1-0 for the first time in program history, while the Blue Hose fall to 0-4 on the season. CCSU will stay at home tomorrow, hosting Fresno State at 4:00 p.m.

Central got out to a quick start, scoring two goals in the first four minutes of action. Senior Courtney Mooney and junior Lyndsey Mastandrea connected on goals to give the Blue Devils the early advantage.

The Blue Hose came back with a goal before CCSU tallied four straight scores to take a 6-1 halfway through the opening period. Sophomore Ashley Mara started the run, scoring off of a pass from Conway and then feeding freshman Betsy Vendel to take a three goal lead. It was Conway that got in on the action next as she finished two free position goals to make it 6-1 in favor of the Blue Devils.

Presbyterian slowly worked its way back into the game, ending the first half with two goals inside the final minute and a half. Senior Brittni Dulaney and sophomore Jenna Handshoe each recorded a goal and assist on the final two scores. Central Connecticut led 8-5 at the break.

The Blue Devils extended their lead to five, leading 12-7 10 minutes into the second half as Mara scored on a free position. Presbyterian then connected on three straight to cut the CCSU lead to two. Sophomore Katie Prisco put two on the board to make it 12-10 with 13:18 to play.

The Blue Hose made things extremely interesting when they scored with 1:46 left in the game to make it 14-13 in favor of CCSU. The Blue Devils milked the rest of the time of the clock as they controlled the possession until the final few seconds.

Central was led by Conway's three goals and two assists, while Vendel added three of her own in her first collegiate game. Two other freshman found the net on Tuesday, as Mackenzy Ryan finished with two scores and two assists and Meghan McCurry tallied one goal. Mastandrea and Mara each added two goals in the victory.

Sophomore Erin DeLancey recorded the win in the goal for CCSU. She stopped 16 shots playing all 60 minutes. Sophomore Susan England finished with 14 saves for the Blue Hose.