NEW LONDON, Conn. – Blessing Kieh headed home a corner in the 72nd minute, and the Connecticut College women's soccer team opened the year with a 2-1 win over visiting Emmanuel College on Tuesday night from Silfen Field. Conn begins the year 1-0, while Emmanuel falls to 1-1.

It was a slow start for both teams, as neither side was able to find much space in the opening 15 minutes. Conn's first chance came in the fourth minute, but Claire Chace put an effort wide, before Emmanuel's first chance a minute later by Aleena Solano, went high. The Camels had a golden opportunity to open the scoring 20 minutes in, as Conn was awarded a penalty kick, but Alexa Weiner was unable to convert.

However, just five minutes later, Conn opened the scoring. Mae Mastrullo found Caroline Camp with a pass, who fired home to the bottom corner to put the Camels in front. 10 minutes later, the Saints nearly equalized, but Una McCorry cleared Kayla Silveira's shot off the line, as the Camels held on to lead 1-0 at the break.

Emmanuel started the second half on the front foot looking to even the score, doing so in the 55th minute. Paige Letourneau found space near the top of the box, and fired home to even the score at one. Just a minute later, Conn nearly retook the lead as Lucy Hurlbut was played in down the right wing, but her shot was kicked aside by Teigan Robie. 

Both teams upped the pressure looking for the winning goal, but it was Conn who capitalized on a corner kick at 71:55. Weiner played the corner into the box connecting with the head of Kieh near the backpost, who powered past Robie into the top of the net, as the Camels retook the lead. The Saints could only muster one more shot against Conn, but Maia Kafer (Philadelphia, Pa.) made the final save as the Camels earned the 2-1 win.

Emmanuel outshot Conn 14-9 overall, including 7-3 on shots on target, while holding a slim 4-2 edge on corners.

Kafer picked up her first career win, finishing with six saves. Camp and Kieh each recorded one goal, while Weiner chipped in one assist.

Robie made two saves in net for Emmanuel, while Letourneau tallied the lone goal for the Saints.

Conn returns to action on Saturday as the Camels host #6 Amherst 11:30 a.m. on Freeman Field. The Saints are back in action on Sunday, welcoming #15 Colby to Clemente Field at 1:00 p.m.

** Release courtesy of Connecticut College Athletic Communications Office