SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Simmons Field Hockey remained strong during Western New England's second half surge for 4-3 victory on Thursday (Sept. 1) evening at Golden Bear Stadium in the season opener for both teams.

The Sharks jumped out to a 2-0 lead as freshman midfielders Meghan Fay (Foxboro, MA) and Kelly Williamson (Natick, MA) each tallied unassisted goals within a two-minute span to close out the opening half.

Western New England was awarded a penalty stroke goal scored by sophomore midfielder Jaynie Mueller (Colorado Springs, CO) at 40:42. An unassisted goal from junior forward Caitlin Foster (Hyde Park, NY) leveled the score at 2-2.

Simmons took control with a goal from senior forward Kelly Fisher (Yarmouth, ME) at 47:35. Sophomore forward Monica Doucette (Rockport, ME) added an insurance tally at 53:24 to expand the Sharks lead to 4-2.

The Golden Bears continued to add pressure, cutting the lead to one on Mueller's second goal of the night but that would end the scoring for the evening. The Sharks held a narrow 10-8 advantage in shots on target, and also enjoyed a 9-8 edge in penalty corners.

Simmons sophomore goalkeeper Renna Smith (Belfast, ME) made five stops to pick up the win.

The Sharks return to action on Tuesday, September 6, 2011) as they host Wheelock College at 7:00 p.m. in the team's home opener.