WORCESTER, Mass., October 15, 2005 - Springfield College junior midfielder Michelle Bongiovanni (West Springfield, Mass.) scored her fifth goal of the season in what proved to be the game-winner as the Pride handed Clark University its first New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) loss, 2-1, this afternoon (Oct. 15) in Worcester, Mass.

Freshman fullback Delaney Cantrall (Santa Paula, Calif.) started the scoring early for the Pride, netting a shot in just the eighth minute of action (7:14) to give SC the early 1-0 edge. The score was Cantrall's third of the season as the Pride took the 1-0 lead into halftime.

Clark freshman back Maria Arabatzis scored the equalizer in the 51st minute of play (50:52) off a feed from junior midfielder Lindsay Sylvester to tie the match up at one apiece. The Pride answered back 13 minutes later, as Bongiovanni scored the game-winner in the 63rd minute (62:27) to give SC a lead (2-1) it would not relinquish.

Sophomore goalkeeper Amanda Petri (East Granby, Conn.) recorded yet another solid performance in goal for the Pride, saving three shots in 90 minutes of play while allowing just the one Cougar score. The keeper improves to 6-2-1 overall this season.

After dropping three-straight matches from September 20-27, SC has responded quite well, winning its past five conference contests. The Pride improves to 8-4-2 overall and an impressive 5-1 in NEWMAC play, good for second in the conference and just one-half game behind Wheaton College (5-0). Clark falls to 8-4-1 overall and 4-1-1 in the NEWMAC.

SC next shoots for its sixth-consecutive victory as the Pride will travel to Smith College for yet another NEWMAC match-up on Tuesday afternoon, October 18, in a 3:30 p.m. start.

published: 10/15/2005