Northampton, Mass. – October 4, 2011 – The Springfield College women’s soccer team prevailed in a New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) road game on Tuesday afternoon by defeating Smith College, 1-0, in the pouring rain.

The win boosts Springfield’s record to 6-3-1, 3-0-1 in league play. The Pioneers dropped their eighth-straight game to fall to 1-8 on the season, including 0-4 in NEWMAC action.

The Pride, who outshot the Pioneers 12-3 in the first half, were on the offensive from the outset as Courtney LeTourneau forced a pair of saves out of Lindsey Gregor in the 17th and 18th minutes, respectively.  The Pioneers kept Springfield at bay until the 34th minute, when Katie Mantie took a Nina Vital pass and curled a shot past Gregor for the eventual game-winner.

The goal seemed to awaken the Pioneers, who nearly leveled matters at the other end when Ellie Theurer was denied by Erin Greenstein, and off two subsequent corner kicks, K.K. Lane’s goal bound effort was blocked by Springfield.

With the score still at 1-0 at halftime, Smith continued to press for an equalizer.  Jenna BiCierro’s shot in the 55th minute was pushed wide by Greenstein, and from the resulting corner kick, the ball again fell to BiCierro, whose shot was blocked by the Springfield defense.

Despite continued pressure by Springfield, the Pride was unable to get another shot into the back of the net. Gregor handled all that Springfield could throw her way, including a pair of point blank stops on Vital to keep the score 1-0.  Gregor finished with 12 saves, while Greenstein was called upon to make two for Springfield.

For the game, Springfield owned a 25-4 advantage in shots, while both teams took six corners apiece.

Springfield will next play on Saturday afternoon as it continues league play against WPI at home. Kick-off is scheduled for 2:30 pm.