SPRINGFIELD, Mass.— First year forward Sara Sanaú Ruiz scored two goals to lead visiting Mount Holyoke College to a 3-2 win Tuesday over Western New England University in non-conference women's soccer action at Suprenant Field. The Lyons improve to 3-2 on the season while the Golden Bears drop to 1-4-2.
Western New England darted out to a 1-0 lead in the 28th minute as junior Katelyn Cummings took a direct kick that was sent into the penalty area. Senior Emma Norden picked up the loose ball, passing it back to Cummings about 28 yards out, who curled her first goal of the season into the upper half of the net.
The Lyons tied it seven minutes later, taking advantage of a defensive miscue by the Golden Bears. At the top of the box, Sanaú Ruiz was able to force a Western New England turnover, the result of which was a lofted shot over the head of the goalkeeper to make it 1-all.
Sophomore captain Suz Rose put MHC ahead for good, corralling a feed from first year Dale Leonheart to close the scoring with less than five minutes till halftime.
The Lyons added an insurance goal to start the second half as Sanaú Ruiz netted her second of the game and sixth goal of 2015 after receiving a pass from senior Ashleigh Hartsock. Mount Holyoke went up 3-1 in the 48th minute.
The Golden Bears got to within 3-2 on a nice finish in the 77th minute. After receiving a pass on the right wing, senior Alicia Lewis dribbled past a defender to the by-line and sent a cross to the mouth of the goal where junior Brooke Labrieone-timed a volley into the back of the net.
But the Lyons held WNE without a shot on goal until first year Gabrielle Babowicz was able to get a good look from distance that MHC keeper Amanda Manaster was able to make the save with 46 seconds remaining.
Western New England senior tri-captain Briana Kubik had three saves while her counterpart Manaster made five stops for her first career victory.
Despite the loss, WNE led the game in both shots (12-8) and corner kicks (6-2).
The Golden Bears will make their Commonwealth Coast Conference home debut on Saturday versus Wentworth (11am), while the Lyons open NEWMAC play, also on Saturday at home against Babson (12pm).
